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TWO LITTLE WOMEN 
ON A HOLIDAY 


BOOKS BY CAROLYN WELLS 


PATTY SERIES 

Patty FAmnELD 
Patty at Home 
Patty in the City 
Patty’s Summer Days 
Patty in Paris 
Patty’s Friends 
Patty’s Pleasure Trip 
Patty’s Success 

MARJORIE SERIES 

Marjorie’s Vacation 
Marjorie’s Busy Days 
Marjorie’s New Friend 


Patty’s Motor Car 
Patty’s Butterfly Days 
Patty’s Social Season 
Patty’s Suitors 
Patty’s Romance 
Patty’s Fortune 
Patty Blossom 


Marjorie in Command 
Marjorie’s Maytime 
Marjorie at Seacote 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN SERIES 

Two Little Women 

Two Little Women and Treasure House 
Two Little Women on a Holiday 








“It would make a fine lavalliere,” said Dolly, 
holding it up against her chest, and glancing in a 
nearby mirror. (^Page 163) 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN 
ON A HOLIDAY 


BY 

CAROLYN WELLS 

•i 

Author of The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, 
Two Little Women Series, etc. 


WITH FRONTISPIECE BY 
E. C. CASWELL 


NEW YORK 

DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 
1917 

vi 




Copyright, 1917 

By DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY, Inc. 





SEP 25 1917 

©CI.A47S684''-^ 


, © 2 .- 17 . 


TO 

My Very Dear 
Child Friend 

Frances Althea Sprague 


h 



CONTENTS 


CHAPTER page 

I A Wonderful Plan 1 

II A Favourable Decision 16 

III The Arrival 31 

IV A Merry Quartette 46 

V Going About 61 

VI A Matinee Idol 76 

VII Great Preparations . ... . .91 

VIII The Caller 106 

IX Fine Feathers ........ 121 

X A Skating Party 136 

XI The Collections 151 

XII The Lost Jewel 166 

XIII Suspicions 181 

XIV At the Tea Room 196 

XV Dolly's Ride 211 

XVI Was It Alicia? 226 

XVII A Clever Idea 241 

XVIII Four Celebrations 255 

XIX Alicia’s Secret 270 

XX Uncle Jeff’s Four Friends .... 285 



TWO LITTLE WOMEN 
ON A HOLIDAY 


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TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON 
A HOLIDAY 


CHAPTER I 

A WONDERFUL PLAN 

‘TTELLO, Dolly,” said Dotty Rose, over the tele- 
X X phone. 

Hello, Dot,” responded Dolly Flyre. “ What 
you want ? ” 

“ Oh ! I can’t tell you this way. Come on over, 
just as quick as you can.” 

‘‘ But I haven’t finished my Algebra, and it’s 
nearly dinner time, anyway.” 

‘‘ No it isn’t, — and no matter if it is. Come on, I 
tell you ! You’d come fast enough if you knew what 
it’s about ! ” 

“ Tell me, then.” 

‘‘ I say I can’t, — over the telephone. Oh, Dolly, 
come on, and stop fussing ! ” 

The telephone receiver at Dotty’s end of the wire 

-C 1 > 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


was hung up with a click, and Dolly began to wag- 
gle her receiver hook in hope of getting Dotty back. 
But there was no response, so Dolly rose and went 
for her coat. Flinging it round her, and not stop- 
ping to get a hat, she ran next door to Dotty Rose’s 
house. 

It was mid January, and the six o’clock darkness 
was lighted only by the street lights. Flying across 
the two lawns that divided the houses, Dolly found 
Dotty awaiting her at the side door. 

“ Hurry up in, Doll,” she cried, eagerly, “ the 
greatest thing you ever heard ! Oh, the very great- 
est! If you only can! Oh, if you only can!” 

Can what.f^ Do tell me what you’re talking 
about.” Dolly tossed her coat on the hall rack, and 
followed Dotty into the Roses’ living-room. There 
she found Dotty’s parents and also Bernice Forbes 
and her father. What could such a gathering mean ? 
Dolly began to think of school happenings ; had she 
cut up any mischievous pranks or inadvertently done 
anything wrong Wliat else could bring Mr. Forbes 
to the Roses’ on what was very evidently an impor- 
tant errand.^ For all present were eagerly inter- 
ested, — that much was clear. Mr. and Mrs. Rose 
-C 2 > 


A WONDERFUL PLAN 


were smiling, yet shaking their heads in uncertainty ; 
Bernice was flushed and excited; and Mr. Forbes 
himself was apparently trying to persuade them to 
something he was proposing. 

This much Dolly gathered before she heard a word 
of the discussion. Then Mrs. Rose said, “ Here’s 
Dolly Fayre. You tell her about it, Mr. Forbes.” 

“ Oh, let me tell her,” cried Bernice. 

‘‘ No,” said Mr. Rose, ‘‘ let her hear it first from 
your father. You girls can chatter afterward.” 

So Mr. Forbes spoke. “ My dear child,” he said to 
Dolly, ‘‘ my Bernice is invited to spend a week with her 
uncle, in New York City. She is privileged to ask 
you two girls to accompany her if you care to.” 

Dolly listened, without quite grasping the idea. 
She was slow of thought, though far from stupid. 
And this was such a sudden and startling suggestion 
that she couldn’t quite take it in. 

Go to New York, for a week. Oh, I couldn’t. 
I have to go to school.” 

Mrs. Rose smiled. That’s just the trouble, 
Dolly. Dot has to go to school, too, — at least, she 
ought to. Bernice, likewise. But this invitation is 
so delightful and so unusual, that Fm thinking you 

-c 3 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


three girls ought to take advantage of it. The ques- 
tion is, what will your parents say.? ” 

‘‘ Oh, they’ll never let me go ! ” exclaimed Dolly, 
decidedly. ‘‘ They don’t want anything to interfere 
with my lessons.” 

‘‘ No, and we feel the same way about Dotty. But 
an exceptional case must be considered in an excep- 
tional manner. I think your people might be per- 
suaded if we go about it in the right way.” 

“ I don’t believe so,” and Dolly looked very dubi- 
ous. ‘‘ Tell me more about it.’^ 

“ Oh, Doll, it’s just gorgeous ! ” broke in Bernice. 
‘‘ Uncle Jeff, — he’s father’s brother, — wants me to 
spend a week with him. And he’s going to have my 
cousin, Alicia, there at the same time. And he wants 
us to bring two other girls, and Alicia can’t bring 
one, ’cause she’s at boarding school, 'and none of the 
girls can get leave, — that is, none that she wants. 
So Uncle said for me to get two, if ,I could, — and I 
want you and Dot.” 

‘‘A whole week in New York! Visiting!” Dol- 
ly’s eyes sparkled as the truth began to dawn on 
her. Oh, I wish I could coax Mother into it. I’ve 
never been to New York to stay any time. Only just 


A WONDERFUL PLAN 


for the day. How lovely of you, Bemie, to ask 
us ! ” 

“ There’s no one else I’d rather have, but if you 
can’t go, I’ll have to ask Maisie May. I must get 
two.” 

“ Are you going anyway. Dots,'’ ” 

“ I don’t know. I want to go terribly, but I don’t 
want to go without you, Dolly. Oh, wonH your 
mother let you ” 

‘‘ The only way to find out is to ask her,” said Mr. 
Forbes, smiling. “ Suppose I go over there now and 
ask. Shall I go alone, or take you three chatter- 
boxes along ? ” 

“ Oh, let us go,” and Dotty sprang up ; we can 
coax and you can tell about the arrangements.” 

Very well,” agreed Mr. Forbes, come along, 
then.” 

So the four went across to the Fayre house, and 
found the rest of Dolly’s family gathered in the 
library. 

‘‘ Here is Mr. Forbes, Daddy,” said Dolly, as they 
entered. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fayre and Trudy, Dolly’s older sis- 
ter, greeted the visitor cordially, and looked with 
-C 5 > 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


smiling inquiry at the eager faces of the three girls. 

Dolly went and sat on the arm of her mother’s 
chair, and, putting an arm around her, whispered, 
“ Oh, Mumsie, please, please do say yes ! Oh, please 
do!” 

‘‘ Yes to what? ” returned Mrs. Fayre, patting her 
daughter’s shoulder. 

“ Mr. Forbes will tell you. Listen.” 

“ It’s this way, my deai people,” began Mr. 
Forbes. He was a man with an impressive manner, 
and it seemed as if he were about to make a speech 
of grave importance, as, indeed, from the girls’ point 
of view, he was. “ My brother Jefferson, who lives 
in New York, has invited my daughter to spend a 
week in his home there. He has asked also another 
niece. Miss Alicia Steele. He wants these girl vis- 
itors to bring with them two friends, and as Alicia 
does not wish to avail herself of that privilege, Ber- 
nice may take two with her. She wants to take 
Dotty and Dolly. There, that’s the whole story in 
a nutshell. The question is, may Dolly go ? ” 

“When is this visit to be made?” asked Mrs. 
Fayre. 

“ As soon as convenient for all concerned. My 

< 


A WONDERFUL PLAN 


brother would like the girls to come some day next 
week, and remain one week.” 

“ What about school.^ ” and Mrs. Fajre looked 
decidedly disapproving of the plan. 

“That’s just it!” exclaimed Dotty. “We 
knew you’d say that ! But, Mrs. Fayre, my mother 
says this is the chance of a lifetime, — almost, — and 
we ought, we really ought to take advantage of 
it.” 

“ But to be out of school for a whole week, — and 
what with getting ready and getting home and settled 
again, it would mean more than a week — ” 

“ But, mother, we could make up our lessons,” 
pleaded Dolly, “ and I do want to go ! oh, I do want 
to go, just awfully! ” 

“ I should think you would,” put in Trudy. 
“ Let her go, mother, it’ll be an education in itself, 
— the visit will. Why, the girls can go to the 
museums and art galleries and see all sorts of 
things.” 

“ Of course we can,” said Bernice, “ and my uncle 
has a beautiful house and motor cars and every- 
thing I ” 

“ That’s another point,” said Mr. Fayre, gravely. 

^ 7 > 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ You must realise, Mr. Forbes, that my little girl 
is not accustomed to grandeur and wealth. I don’t 
want her to enjoy it so much that she will come back 
discontented with her own plain home.” 

“ Oh, nonsense, my dear sir ! A glimpse of city 
life and a taste of frivolity will do your girl good. 
Dolly is too sensible a sort to be a prey to envy or 
discontent. I know Dolly fairly well, and I can 
vouch for her common sense ! ” 

“ So can I,” s^id Bernice. “ Doll will enjoy 
everything to the limit, but it won’t hurt her dis- 
position or upset her happiness to see the sights of 
the city for a short time. Oh, please, Mr. Fayre, do 
let her go.” 

“Just as her mother thinks,” and Mr. Fayre 
smiled at the insistent Bernice. 

“ Tell me of the household,” said Mrs. Fayre. 
“ Is your brother’s wife living? ” 

“ Jeff has never been married,” replied Mr. Forbes. 
“ He is an elderly bachelor, and, I think is a bit 
lonely, now and then. But he is also a little ec- 
centric. He desires no company, usually. It is 
most extraordinary that he should ask these girls. 
But I think he wants to see his two nieces, and he 
-C 8 > 


A WONDERFUL PLAN 


fears he cannot entertain them pleasantly unless 
they have other companions of their own age.” 

And who would look after the girls ? ” 

“ Mrs. Berry, my brother’s housekeeper. She is 
a fine noble-hearted and competent woman, who has 
kept his house for years. I know her, and I am per- 
fectly willing to trust Bernice to her care. She will 
chaperon the young people, for I doubt if my brother 
will go to many places with them. But he will want 
them to have the best possible time, and will give 
them all the pleasure possible.” 

‘‘ That part of it is all right, then,” smiled Mrs. 
Fayre ; ‘‘ it is, to my mind, only the loss of more than 
a week of the school work that presents the insuper- 
able objection.” 

‘‘Oh, don’t say insuperable,” urged Mr. Forbes. 
“ Can’t you bring yourself to permit that loss ? As 
Dolly says, the girls can make up their lessons.” 

“ They can — but will they ? ” 

“ I will, mother,” cried Dolly ; “ I promise you I 
will study each day while I’m in New York. Then 
I can recite out of school hours after I get back, and 
I’ll get my marks all the same.” 

“ But, Dolly dear, you can’t study while you are 

< 9 > 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

in New York. There would be too much to distract 
you and occupy your time.” 

‘‘ Oh, no, Mrs. Fayre,” observed Bernice, “ we 
couldn’t be all the time sightseeing. I think it would 
be fine for all us girls to study every day, and keep 
up our lessons that way.” 

It sounds well, my dear child,” and Mrs. Fayre 
looked doubtfully at Bernice, “ and I daresay you 
mean to do it, but I can’t think you could keep it 
up. The very spirit of your life there would be all 
against study.” 

I agree with that,” said Mr. Forbes, decidedly. 
‘‘ I vote for the girls having an entire holiday. Les- 
sons each day would spoil all their fun.” 

‘‘ They couldn’t do it,” Trudy said. “ I know, 
however much they tried, they just coiddnH study in 
that atmosphere.” 

« Why not.? ” asked Bernice. “ We’re not young 
ladies, like you, Trudy. We won’t be going to 
parties, and such things. We can only go to the 
shops and the exhibitions and for motor rides in the 
park and such things. We could study evenings, 
I’m sure.” 

‘‘ It isn’t only the lessons,” Mrs. Fayre said ; ‘‘ but 


A WONDERFUL PLAN 


I can’t feel quite willing to let my little girl go away 
for a week without me.” Her pleasant smile at Mr. 
Forbes robbed the words of any reflection they might 
seem to cast on his brother’s invitation. “ I’m sure 
Mrs. Berry would do all that is necessary in the way 
of a chaperon’s duties, but these girls are pretty 
young even for that. They need a parent’s over- 
sight.” 

Mrs. Fay re was about to say a mother’s over- 
sight, when she remembered that Bernice had no 
mother, and changed the words accordingly. 

There was some further discussion, and then Mrs. 
Fayre said she must have a little time alone to make 
up her mind. She knew that if Dolly did not go, 
Maisie May would be asked in her place, but she 
still felt undecided. She asked for only an hour or 
two to think it over, and promised to telephone di- 
rectly after dinner, and tell Mr. Forbes her final 
decision. This was the only concession she would 
make. If not acceptable then her answer must 
be no. 

“ Please do not judge my wife too harshly,” said 
Mr. Fayre as he accompanied Mr. Forbes and 
Bernice to the door. “ She still looks upon Dolly as 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


her baby, and scarcely lets her out of her sight.” 

That’s all right,” returned Mr. Forbes. She’s 
the right sort of a mother for the girl. I hope she 
will decide to let Dolly go, but if not, I quite under- 
stand her hesitancy, and I respect and admire her 
for it. Bernice can take somebody else, and I trust 
you will not try over hard to influence Mrs. Fay re in 
Dolly’s favour. If anything untoward should hap- 
pen, I should never forgive myself. I would far 
rather the children were disappointed than to have 
Mrs. Fayre persuaded against her better judgment.” 

The Forbeses departed, and then Dotty Rose went 
home, too. 

‘‘ Oh, Dollyrinda,” she whispered as they stood in 
the hall, do you s’pose your mother’ll ever say 
yes ? ” 

“ I don’t believe so,” replied Dolly mournfully. 
“ But, oh. Dot, how I do want to go ! Seems ’sif I 
never wanted anything so much in all my life ! ” 

“ You don’t want to go a bit more than I want 
to have you. Why, Dollops, I shan’t go, if you 
don’t.” 

“ Oh, yes, you will. Dotty. You must. It would 
be silly not to.” 




A WONDERFUL PLAN 


But I couldn’t ! I just couldn't. Do you s’pose 
I could have one single bit of fun going to places 
without you? And knowing you were here at home, 
longing to be with us! No-sir-ee! I just couldn’t 
pos-^ib-ly! So just you remember that, old girl; no 
Dolly, — no Dotty ! And that’s sure! ” 

There was a ring in Dotty’s voice that proclaimed 
an unshakable determination, and Dolly knew it. 
She knew that no coaxing of Bernice or even of Dolly 
herself, could make Dotty go without her chum. 

For chums these two were, in the deepest sense of 
the word. They were together all that was possi- 
ble during their waking hours. They studied to- 
gether, worked and played together, and occupied 
together their little house, built for them, and called 
Treasure House. 

Dolly knew she couldn’t enjoy going anywhere 
without Dotty, and she knew Dot felt the same way 
about her. But this was such a big, splendid op- 
portunity, that she hated to have Dotty miss it, even 
if she couldn’t go herself. The two girls said good- 
night, and Dolly went back to her family in the 
library. 

“ I hate terribly to disappoint you, Dolly darling,” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


began her mother, and the tears welled up in Dolly’s 
blue eyes. This beginning meant a negative deci- 
sion, that was self evident, but Dolly Fayre was 
plucky by nature and she was not the sort that 
whines at disappointment. 

“ All right,” she said, striving to be cheerful, and 
blinking her eyes quickly to keep those tears back. 

“ Now, look here, Edith,” said Mr. Fayre, I 
don’t believe I can stand this. I don’t differ with 
you regarding the children, but I do think you might 
let Dolly go on this party. Even if it does take a 
week out of school, she’ll get enough general informa- 
tion and experience from a week in the city to make 
up.” 

‘‘ That’s just it. Will. But the experiences she 
gets there may not be the best possible for a little 
girl of fifteen.” 

“ Oh, fifteen isn’t an absolute baby. Remember, 
dear, Dolly is going to grow up some day, and she’s 
getting started.” 

‘‘And another thing. I asked Mr. Forbes a few 
questions while you were talking to Bernice, and it 
seems this other girl, the niece, Alicia, is attending 
a very fashionable girls’ boarding school.” 


A WONDERFUL PLAN 


^‘WeU, what of that? You speak as if she were 
attending a lunatic asylum ! ” 

‘‘No; but can’t you see if Dolly goes to stay a 
week with wealthy Bernice Forbes and this fashion- 
able Alicia, she’ll get her head full of all sorts of 
notions that don’t belong there? ” 

“No, I won’t, mother,” murmured Dolly, who, 
again on her mother’s arm chair, was looking ear- 
nestly into the maternal blue eyes, so like her own. 
And very lovingly Mrs. Fayre returned the gaze, 
for she adored her little daughter and was actuated 
only by the best motives in making her decisions. 

“ And, here’s another thing,” said Dolly, “ Dot 
won’t go, if I don’t. It seems too bad to spoil her 
fun.” 

“ Oh, yes, she will,” said Mrs. Fayre, smiling. 
“ She would be foolish to give up her pleasure just 
because you can’t share it.” 

“Foolish or not, she won’t go,” repeated Dolly. 
“ I know my Dot, and when she says she won’t do 
a thing, she just simply doesn’t do it! ” 

“ I’d be sorry to be the means of keeping Dotty at 
home,” and Mrs. Fayre sighed deeply. 




CHAPTER II 


A FAVOURABLE DECISION 

A ll through dinner time, Mrs. Fayre was some- 
what silent, her eyes resting on Dolly with a 
wistful, uncertain expression. She wanted to give 
the child the pleasure she craved, but she had hard 
work to bring herself to the point of overcoming 
her own objections. 

At last, however, when the meal was nearly over, 
she smiled at her little daughter, and said, “ All right, 
Dolly, you may go.” 

“ Oh, mother ! ” Dolly cried, overwhelmed with sud- 
den delight. “Really? Oh, I am so glad! Are 
you sure you’re willing? ” 

“ I’ve persuaded myself to be willing, against my 
will,” returned Mrs. Fayre, whimsically. “ I confess 
I just hate to have you go, but I can’t bear to de- 
prive you of the pleasure trip. And, as you say, it 
would also keep Dotty at home, and so, altogether, 
I think I shall have to give in.” 


A FAVOURABLE DECISION 


Oh, you angel mother! You blessed lady! 
How good you are ! ” And Dolly flew around the 
table and gave her mother a hug that nearly suffo- 
cated her. 

“ There, there, Dollygirl,” said her father, “ go 
back and finish your pudding while we talk this over 
a bit. Are you sure, Edith, you are willing? I 
don’t want you to feel miserable and anxious all the 
week Dolly is cut loose from your apron string.” 

“No, Will; it’s all right. If you and the Roses 
and Trudy, here, all agree it’s best for Dolly to go, 
it seems foolish for me to object. And it may be 
for her good, after all.” 

“ That’s what I say, mother,” put in Trudy. 
“Doll isn’t a child, exactly. She’s fifteen and a half, 
and it will be a fine experience for her to see a little 
bit of the great world. And she couldn’t do it under 
better conditions than at Mr. Forbes’ brother’s. 
The Forbes’ are a fine family, and you know, per- 
fectly well, there’ll be nothing there that isn’t just 
exactly right.” 

“ It isn’t that, Trudy. But, — oh, I don’t know ; 
I daresay I’m a foolish mother bird, afraid of her 
littlest fledgling.” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

“ You’re a lovely mother-bird ! ” cried Dolly, and 
not foolish a bit! but, oh, do decide positively, for 
I can’t wait another minute to tell Dot, if I’m 
going.” 

Very well,” said Mrs. Fayre, “ run along and 
teU Dotty, and Bernice, too.” 

Dolly made a jump and two hops for the tele- 
phone, and soon the wires must have bent under the 
weight of joyous exclamations. 

“ Oh, Dolly, isn’t it fine!” 

Oh, Dotty, it’s splendid ! I can hardly believe 

it!” 

‘‘ Have you told Bernice.^ ” 

‘‘ Not yet. Had to tell you first. When do we 
go?” 

“ Next Tuesday, I think. Now, you tell Bernie, 
so she can write to her uncle that we accept.” 

And then there was another jubilation over the 
telephone. 

“ Fine ! ” cried Bernice, as she heard the news. 
“ Lovely ! I’d so much rather have you two girls 
than any others. I’ll write Uncle Jeff to-night that 
I’ll bring you. And I’ll come over to-morrow, and 
we’ll decide what clothes to take, and all that.” 


A FAVOURABLE DECISION 

Mrs. Fayre sighed, as Dolly reported this con- 
versation. 

“ You girls can’t do a bit of serious study all the 
rest of the time before you go,” she said. ‘‘ Now, 
Dolly, I’ll have to ask you to do your lessons every 
day, before you plan or talk over the trip at all.” 

‘‘ Yes, mother, I will,” and Dolly started at once 
for her schoolbooks. 

It was hard work to put her mind on her studies, 
with the wonderful possibilities that lay ahead of 
her. But she was exceedingly conscientious, was 
Dolly Fayre, and she resolutely put the subject of 
the New York visit out of her mind, and did her al- 
gebra examples with diligence. 

Not so. Dotty Rose. After Dolly’s telephone 
message, she flung her schoolbooks aside, with a 
shout of joy, and declared she couldn’t study that 
night. 

I don’t wonder,” laughed her father. ‘^Why, 
Dot, you’re going on a veritable Fairy-tale visit. 
You are quite justified in being excited over it.” 

“ I thought you and Dolly didn’t like Bernice 
Forbes very much,” said Mrs. Rose. 

“ We didn’t use to, mother. But lately, she’s 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


been a whole lot nicer. You know Doll made her sort 
of popular, and after that, she helped along, herself, 
by being ever so much more pleasant and chummy 
with us all. She used to be stuck up and disagree- 
able; ostentatious about being rich, and aU that. 
But nowadays, she’s more simple, and more agree- 
able every way.” 

“ That’s nice,” observed Mr. Rose. “ Forbes is 
not a popular man, nor a very good citizen ; I mean 
he isn’t public-spirited or generous. But he’s a fine 
business man and a man of sound judgment and in- 
tegrity. I’m glad you’re chums with his daughter. 
Dotty. And you ought to have a perfectly gor- 
geous time on the New York visit.” 

‘‘ Oh, we will. Daddy ; I’m sure of that. What 
about clothes, Mumsie.? ” 

“ I’ll have to see about that. You’ll need a few 
new frocks, I suppose, but we can get them ready 
made,’ or get Miss Felton to come for a few days. 
There’s nearly a week before you start.” 

I want some nice things,” declared Dotty. 
“You know Bernice has wonderful clothes, and I 
suppose her cousin has, too.” 

“ Maybe^your wardrobe can’t be as fine as a rich 


A FAVOURABLE DECISION 


man’s daughter,” said her father smiling at her, 
“ but I hope mother will fix you up so you won’t 
feel ashamed of your clothes.” 

“ I think they’ll be all right,” and Mrs. Rose 
nodded her head. “ I’ll see Mrs. Fayre to-morrow, 
and we’ll find out what Bernice is going to take with 
her. You children can’t need elaborate things, but 
they must be right.” 

The Rose family spent the entire evening talking 
over the coming trip, and when Dotty went to bed 
she set an alarm clock, that she might rise early in 
the morning to do her lessons for the day before 
breakfast. She did them, too, and came to the 
table, smiling in triumph. 

“ Did all my examples and learned my history 
perfectly,” she exulted. “ So you see, mother, my 
trip won’t interfere with my education ! ” 

“ Oh, you can make up your lessons,” said her 
father, carelessly. “ I wouldn’t give much for a girl 
who couldn’t do a few extra tasks to make up for a 
grand outing such as you’re to have.” 

I either ! ” agreed Dotty. “ But the Fay res are 
worried to death for fear Doll will miss a lesson 
somewhere.” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


‘‘ Dolly learns more slowly than you,” remarked 
her mother. “ You have a gift for grasping facts 
quickly, and a good memory to retain them.” 

‘‘ You ought to be grateful for that,” said Mr. 
Rose. 

‘‘ I am,” returned Dotty. “ When I see Dolly 
grubbing over her history, I can’t understand how 
she can be so long over it.” 

But she’s better in mathematics than you are.” 

‘‘ Yes, she is. She helps me a lot with the old 
puzzlers. She thinks we’ll study in New York. But 
somehow, I don’t believe we will.” 

‘‘ Of course, you won’t,” laughed Mr. Rose. 
“ Why, you’d be foolish to do that. A fine oppor- 
tunity has come to you girls, and I advise you to 
make the most of it. See all the sights you can go 
to all the pleasant places you can ; and have all the 
fun you can cram into your days. Then go to sleep 
and rest up for the next day.” 

Good, sound advice. Dads,” said Dotty ; ‘‘ you’re 
a gentleman and a scholar to look at it like that! 
But I don’t know as we can go about much ; I believe 
Mr. Forbes is quite an old man, and who will take 
us about ? ” 




A FAVOURABLE DECISION 


I thought the housekeeper would,” said Mrs. 
Rose. 

“ I don’t know at all, mother. It seems Bernie 
has never visited there before, though she has been 
to the house. Her uncle is queer, and why he wants 
his two nieces all of a sudden, and his two nieces’ 
friends, nobody knows. It’s sort of mysterious, I 
think.” 

“Well, it’s all right, as long as you’re properly 
invited. It seems strange Bemie’s cousin didn’t care 
to take a friend.” 

“ Yes ; I wonder what she’s like. Bernice hasn’t 
seen her since they were little girls. She lives out 
in Iowa, I think. She’s at school in Connecticut 
somewhere. It’s all sort of unknown. But I like 
that part of it. I love new experiences.” 

“ I always do too. Dot,” said her father. “ I 
reckon when you come home, you’ll have lots to tell 
us.” 

“ New York isn’t so strange to me,” said Dotty. 
“ I’ve been there a lot of times, you know. But to 
go and stay in a house there, — that’s the fun. It’s 
so different from going in for a day’s shopping with 
mother. Or the day we all went to the Flippodrome.” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“You’ll probably go to the Hippodrome again, 
or some such entertainment,” suggested Mrs. Rose. 

“ I dunno. I imagine the old gentleman doesn’t 
favour such gaiety. And the housekeeper lady will 
likely be too busy to do much for us. We can’t go 
anywhere alone, can we.^* ” 

“ I don’t know,” replied Mrs. Rose. “ You must 
be guided by circumstances. Dotty. Whatever Mr. 
Forbes and Mrs. Berry say for you to do, will be all 
right. Make as little trouble as you can, and do as 
you’re told. You’ll have fun enough, just being with 
the girls.” 

“ Indeed I will ! Oh, I’m so glad Dolly can go ! 
I wouldn’t have stirred a step without her ! ” 

“No, I know you wouldn’t,” agreed her mother. 

Next day at school recess, Bernice showed the girls 
a letter she had received from Alicia. 

“ You know I haven’t seen her in years,” Bernice 
said ; “ I think she must be more grown up than we 
are, though she’s only just sixteen.” 

“ Dearest Bernice: the letter ran. 

“ Isn’t it simply screaming that we’re to camp out 
at Uncle Jeff’s! I’m wildly excited over it! Do 
you know why he has asked us? I’m not sure, my- 


A FAVOURABLE DECISION 


self, but I know there’s a reason, and it’s a secret. 
I heard aunt and father talking about it when I was 
home at Christmas time, but when I drifted into the 
room, they shut up like clams. However, we’ll have 
one gay old time! Think of being in New York a 
whole week! I don’t want to take any of the girls 
from here, for fear they’d bring back tales. Don’t 
you bring anybody you can’t trust. Oh, I’ve laid 
lots of plans, but I won’t tell you about them till I 
see you. Bring all your best clothes, and ask your 
father for quite a lot of money, though I suppose 
Uncle Jeff will give us some. I can scarcely wait for 
the time to come! 

“ Devotedly yours, 

“ Aucia.” 

“ What does she mean by a secret reason for your 
going ” asked Dolly. 

“ I haven’t an idea,” replied Bernice. ‘‘ My father 
knows, though, I’m quite sure, ’cause he smiled at 
that part of Alicia’s letter. But he wouldn’t tell me. 
He only said, ‘ Oh, pshaw, nothing of any conse- 
quence. It’s very natural that a lonely old bachelor 
uncle should want to see his little girl nieces, and it’s 
very kind and thoughtful of him' to ask you to bring 
friends.’ He says Uncle Jeff is not fond of company. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


and spends all his time by himself. He’s a scientist 
or naturalist or something, and works in his study 
all day. So, dad says, it’ll be fine for us girls to 
have four of us to be company for each other.” 

“ It’s gorgeous ! ” sighed Dotty, in an ecstasy of 
anticipation. “ But what does your cousin mean by 
bringing a lot of money We can’t do that, — and 
our parents don’t let us spend much money ourselves, 
anyway.” 

“ Oh, that’ll be all right,” said Bernice, carelessly. 
“We won’t need much money. And if we go to 
matinees, or anything like that, of course. I’ll pay, 
if Uncle Jeff doesn’t. You two girls are my guests, 
you know. You needn’t take any money at all.” 

“ All right,” said Dolly, and dismissed the subject. 
Money did not figure very largely in her affairs, as, 
except for a small allowance for trifles, she never 
handled any. Nor did Dotty, as these two were still 
looked upon as children by their parents. 

But motherless Bernice bought her own clothes and 
paid her own bills ; and so generous was her father, 
that there was no stint, and as a consequence, she 
too, cared and thought little about money as a con- 
sideration. 




A FAVOURABLE DECISION 


I’m a little scared of that Alicia person,” said 
Dolly to Dotty as they walked home from school. 

“ Pooh ! I’m not. She’s no richer than Bernie.” 

“ It isn’t that. I’m not afraid of rich people. 
But she seems so grown up and — well, experienced.” 

“ Well, sixteen is grown up. And we’re getting 
there, Dolly. I shall put up my hair while I’m in 
New York.” 

‘‘Why, Dot Rose! Really?” 

“ Yes, that is if Alicia does. Bernice often does, 
you know.” 

“ I know it. I’ll ask mother if I may.” 

“ Goodness, Dolly, can’t you decide a thing like 
that for yourself? What would your mother 
care ? ” 

“ I’d rather ask her,” returned the conscientious 
Dolly. 

Mrs. Fayre smiled when Dolly put the question. 
“ I’ve been expecting that,” she said. “ You’d better 
do as the others do, dear. If they twist up their pig- 
tails, you do the same.” 

“ I’ll show you how,” offered Trudy. “ If you’re 
going to do it, you may as well learn a becoming 
fashion.” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


So Trudy taught her little sister how to coil up 
her yeUow, curly mop in a correct fashion, and very 
becoming it was to Dolly. 

But it made her look a year or two older than she 
was. 

“ Oh ! ” exclaimed her mother, when she saw her. 

Where’s my baby ? I’ve lost my little girl ! ” 

“ Just as well,” said Dolly, delighted at her 
achievement and pirouetting before a mirror. “ It’s 
time I began to be a little grown up, mother.” 

‘‘ Yes, I suppose it is. I felt just the same when 
Trudy put up her curls for the first time. I am a 
foolish old thing ! ” 

“ Now, don’t you talk like that,” cried Dolly, “ or 
I’ll pull down my hair and wear it in tails till I’m 
fifty ! ” 

“ No, dear; do as you like about it. And, if you 
want to wear it that way while you’re in New York, 
do. It’s all right.” 

More discussions came with the new dresses. Mrs. 
Fayre was for keeping to the more youthful models, 
but Mrs. Rose felt that the girls should have slightly 
older styles. Bernice’s frocks were almost young 
ladyish, but those were not copied. 


A FAVOURABLE DECISION 


Dotty and Dolly always had their things similar, 
different in colouring but alike in style. So their 
respective mothers had many confabs before the 
grave questions were settled. 

And the result was two very attractive wardrobes 
that were really right for fifteen-year-old girls. 
Afternoon dresses of voile or thin silk, and one 
pretty party dress for each of dainty chiffon and 
lace. Morning frocks of linen and a tailored street 
suit seemed to be ample in amount and variety. 

Bernice had more and grander ones, but the two 
D’s were entirely satisfied, and watched the packing 
of their small trunks with joyful contentment. 

Dolly put in her diary, declaring she should write 
a full account of each day’s happenings. 

“ Then that’ll do for me,” said Dotty. “ I hate 
to keep a diary, and what would be the use.? It 
would be exactly like yours, Doll, and I can borrow 
yours to read to my people after you’ve read it to 
your family.” 

All right,” agreed Dolly, good-naturedly, for 
what pleased one girl usually suited the other. 

They didn’t take their schoolbooks, for it made 
a heavy load, and too, all agreed that it would spoil 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


the pleasant vacation. The girls promised to make 
up the lessons on their return, and so it seemed as if 
nothing marred the anticipation of their splendid 
holiday. 




CHAPTER III 


THE ARRIVAL 



IHE girls were put on the train at Berwick and 


JL as Mrs. Berry was to meet them at the station 
in New York, they were allowed to make the trip 


alone. 


“ I think this train ride the best part of the whole 
thing,” said Dolly, as she took off her coat and hung 
it up beside her chair. I do love to ride in a 
parlour car; I wish we were to travel in it for a 
week.” 

‘‘ I like it, too,” agreed Bernice. ‘‘ Oh, girls, what 
fun we’re going to have ! You won’t like Uncle Jeff 
at first, he’s awful queer ; but there’s one thing sure, 
he’ll let us do just as we like. He’s very good- 
natured.” 

‘^What’s Mrs. Berry like.^” asked Dotty. ‘‘I 
suppose we’ll obey her.?* ” 

‘‘ Yes, but she’s good-natured, too. I can twist 
her round my finger. Oh, we’ll have a high old time.” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ S’pose Mrs. Berry shouldn’t be there to meet 
us when we get in,” suggested Dolly. “ What 
then.? ” 

‘‘ She will, of course,” said Bernice. But if she 
shouldn’t, if the car broke down or anything like that, 
we’d take a taxicab right to the house.” 

This sounded very grown-up and grand to the two 
D’s, who had had little experience with taxicabs, and 
Dotty exclaimed with glee, I’d rather do that than 
go in Mr. Forbes’ car ! What a lark it would be ! 
Oh, Bernice, can we go somewhere in a taxicab while 
we’re there ? ” 

“ I don’t know. Dotty, — I s’pose so. But why 
should we.^ Uncle Jeff has two cars, and the chauf- 
feur will take us wherever we want to go.” 

“ But I’ve never been in a taxicab, — without older 
people, I mean, and I’d love to try it.” 

‘‘ Well, I expect you can,” returned Bernice, care- 
lessly. “ I dare say you can do pretty much any- 
thing you want to.” 

“ But do behave yourself. Dot,” cautioned Dolly ; 
“ you’re so daring and venturesome, I don’t know 
what mischief you’ll get into ! ” 


THE ARRIVAL 


“ Oh, we won’t get into mischief,” laughed 
Bernice. ‘‘ There’ll be enough fun, without doing 
anything we oughtn’t to.” 

Of course, I won’t do anything wrong,” declared 
Dotty, indignantly. “ But there are so many things 
to do, it sets me crazy to think of it ! ” 

“ I’m going to buy things,” announced Bernice. 
“ There aren’t any decent shops in Berwick, and I’m 
going to get lots of things in the city stores.” 

We can’t do that,” said Dolly, decidedly. “We 
haven’t lots of money like you have, Bernie; I’m 
going to see things. I want to see all the pictures 
I possibly can. I love to look at pictures.” 

“ I want to go to the theatre,” and Dotty looked 
at Bernice inquiringly. “Will we, do you s’pose.^^ ” 
“ Oh, yes, Mrs. Berry will take us. Perhaps we 
can go to matinees, alone.” 

“ I don’t think we ought to do that,” and Dolly 
looked distinctly disapproving. 

Oh, come pow, old priggy-wig,” said Dotty, 
“ don’t be too awfully ’fraidcat ! ” 

“ It will be just as Mrs. Berry says,” Bernice in- 
formed them. “ Father said I must obey her in 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


everything*. Uncle Jeff won’t pay much attention to 
what we do, but Mrs. Berry will. I wonder if Alicia 
will be there when we get there.” 

But Alicia wasn’t. As the girls came up the 
stairs into the great station, they saw a smiling, 
motherly-looking lady waiting to welcome them. 

“ Here you are ! ” she cried, and it wasn’t neces- 
sary for Bernice to introduce her friends, except to 
tell which was which. 

I feel as if I knew you,” Mrs. Berry said, and 
her kindly grey eyes beamed at them both. “ Now 
I must learn to tell you apart. Dolly with golden 
hair, — Dotty with black. Is that it ? ” 

“ Is Alicia here.?^ ” asked Bernice, eagerly. 

No ; she’s coming in at the other station. She 
won’t arrive for an hour or more. Where are your 
checks .f* Let George take them.” 

The footman took the checks and looked after 
them, while Mrs. Berry piloted the girls to the wait- 
ing motor-car. 

It was a large and very beautiful limousine, and 
they all got in, and were soon rolling up Fifth 
Avenue. 




THE ARRIVAL 


“ How splendid it all is ! ” exclaimed Dolly, look- 
ing out at the crowds. “ It seems as if we must get 
all snarled up in the traffic, but we don’t.” 

“ Kirke is a very careful driver,” said Mrs. Berry, 
“ and he understands just where to go. How you’ve 
grown, Bernice. I haven’t seen you for two years, 
you know.” 

Yes, I have. We’re all getting to be grown-ups, 
Mrs. Berry. Isn’t Alicia.?^ ” 

“ I don’t know. I haven’t seen her for a long 
time. But she’s at a very fashionable school, so I 
suppose she is full of notions.” 

“ What are notions ? ” asked Dolly, smiling up 
into the speaker’s eyes. 

“ Oh, notions,” and Mrs. Berry laughed, “ well, 
it’s thinking you know it all yourself, and not being 
willing to listen to advice. I don’t believe you have 
notions, Dolly.” 

No, she hasn’t,” said Bernice. But Dotty and 
I have! However, I promised Dad I’d obey you, 
Mrs. Berry, in everything you say, so I don’t be- 
lieve you’ll have any trouble with us.” 

“ Land, no ! I don’t expect any. Now, let me 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


see; I’ve two big rooms for you all, with two beds 
in each. I suppose you’ll room with your cousin, 
Bernice, and these other two girls together ? ” 

“ Yes, indeed,” said Dolly, quickly, for she had 
no idea of rooming with any one but Dotty. 

“ That settles itself, then.” 

“ But suppose I don’t like Alicia,” said Bernice, 
doubtfully. ‘‘ Suppose we quarrel.” 

All right,” and Mrs. Berry nodded her head, 
‘‘ there are other rooms. I don’t want you to be un- 
comfortable in any particular. I thought you’d 
like it better that way. The two rooms I’ve fixed 
for you, are two big ones on the second floor. Mine 
is on the same floor, in the rear. Your uncle’s 
rooms are upon the third floor.” 

“ I think it sounds fine,” declared Bernice, “ and 
I’m sure I’ll get on with Alicia, if she does have ‘ no- 
tions.’ ” 

And then they reached the big house on upper 
Fifth Avenue, and as they entered, Dolly felt a little 
appalled at the grandeur everywhere about her. 
Not so Dotty. She loved elegance, and as her feet 
sank into the deep soft rugs, she laughed out in sheer 
delight of being in such beautiful surroundings. 


THE ARRIVAL 


Mrs. Berry took the girls at once to their rooms, 
and sent the car for Alicia. 

“ I’ll give the front room to Dotty and Dolly,” she 
said to Bernice ; “ and you can have the other. It’s 
quite as nice, only it looks out on the side street, not 
on the Avenue.” 

That’s right, Mrs. Berry. Dot and Dolly are 
more company than Alicia and I are. We’re really 
members of the family. I was so surprised at Uncle 
J ejff ’s inviting us. Why did he do it, anyway ? ” 

“ Why, indeed ! ” said Mrs. Berry, but her ex- 
pression was quizzical. “No one can tell why Mr. 
Forbes does things ! He is a law unto himself. 
Now, girls, your trunks are coming up. And here 
are two maids to unpack for you and put your things 
away. You can direct them.” 

Mrs. Berry bustled away, and two neat-looking 
maids appeared, one of whom entered Bernice’s room 
and the other attended on Dot and Dolly. 

“ Which frocks shall I leave out for dinner.?^ ” the 
maid asked, as she shook out and hung up the dresses 
in the wardrobe. 

“ The blue voile for me,” replied Dolly, “ and — er 
— what is your name.?’ ” 

<s7:y 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


‘‘Foster, miss,” and she smiled at Dolly’s gentle 
face. 

“ And the rose-coloured voile for me,” directed 
Dotty. “ You’ll find, Foster, that our frocks are 
pretty much alike except as to colour.” 

“ Yes, ma’am. And these patent leather pumps, I 
daresay ? ” 

“ Yes, that’s right,” and Dotty fiung herself into 
a big easy-chair and sighed in an ecstasy of delight 
that she really had a ladies’ maid to wait on her. 
Dolly didn’t take it so easily. She wanted to look 
after her own things, as she did at home. But Dotty 
motioned to her not to do so, lest Foster should think 
them inexperienced or countrified. 

Their simple belongings were soon in place, and 
the two D’s wandered into Bernice’s room. 

Here everything was helter-skelter. Finery was 
piled on beds and chairs, and hats were flung on top 
of one another, while shoes and veils, gloves and hair- 
brushes were scattered on the floor. 

“ It’s my fault,” laughed Bernice, “ don’t blame 
Perkins for it ! I’m hunting for a bracelet, that has 
slipped out of my jewel case, somehow. It must be 
in this lot of stockings ! ” 


THE ARRIVAL 


It wasn’t, but it turned up at last, inside of a 
hat, and Bernice gave a little squeal of relief. 

‘‘That’s all right, then!”* she cried; “I wouldn’t 
lose that for worlds ! It’s a bangle father gave me 
for Christmas, and it has a diamond in the pendant. 
All right, Perkins, put the things away any place 
you like. But save hooks and shelves enough for my 
cousin Alicia. She’ll be in this room with me.” 

Each large room had what seemed to the two little 
women ample room for clothes. But Bernice had 
brought so much more than they did, that her things 
overflowed the space provided. 

“ I’ll wear this to-night, for dinner,” she said, 
pulling out a light green silk from a pile of frocks. 

“ Oh, Bemie ! ” exclaimed Dotty ; “ not that I 
That’s a party dress, isn’t it ? ” 

“ Not exactly. I’ve more dressy ones. But it is 
a little fussy for a quiet evening at home, I suppose. 
Well, what shall I wear? ” 

“ This ? ” and Dotty picked out a simple challie. 

“ Oh, gracious, no I That’s a morning frock. I 
guess I’ll stick to the green. Don’t you think so, 
Perkins ? ” 

“ Yes, miss. It’s a lovely gown.” The maid was 

-{: 39 > 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 




interested in the girls, her life in the quiet house 
being usually most uneventful. This sudden invasion 
of young people was welcomed by all the servants, 
and there were many in Jefferson Forbes’ palatial 
home. Mrs. Berry had engaged several extra ones 
to help with the increased work, but the two maids 
assigned to the girls were trusted and tried retainers. 

And then, there was a bustle heard downstairs, a 
peal of laughter and a perfect flood of chatter in a 
high, shrill voice, and with a bounding run up the 
staircase, Alicia burst into the room where the three 
girls were. 

“ Hello, Bernice, old girl ! ” she shouted, and flung 
her arms around her cousin’s neck, giving her re- 
sounding smacks on her cheek. “ Golly ! Molly ! 
Polly! but I’m glad to see you again! Forgotten 
me, have you.? Take a good look! Your long lost 
Alicia! ’Tis really she! And look who’s here! 
I’ll bet a pig these two stammering, blushing young 
misses are the far-famed Dolly and Dotty, but which 
is which? ” 

“ Guess ! ” said Dotty, laughing, as Dolly stood 
dismayed, and half frightened at this whirlwind of a 
girl. 




THE ARRIVAL 


‘‘All right, I’ll guess. Lemmesee! DoUy Fayre 
and Dotty Rose ; — you see I know your names. 
Why, the fair one is Dolly of course, and that leaves 
Dotty to be you ! ” 

“ Right ! ” cried Dotty, and Alicia flew to her and 
grabbed her as enthusiastically as she had Bernice. 

“ Oh, you chickabiddy ! ” she cried. “ I foresee 
we shall be chums ! I love Towhead, too, but I’m a 
little afraid of her. See her steely blue eyes, even 
now, fixfed on me in utter disapprobation ! ” 

“ Not at all,” said Dolly, politely, “ I think you’re 
very nice.” 

The calm demureness of this speech was too much 
for Alicia, and she went off in peals of laughter. 

“ Oh, you’re rich ! ” she cried ; “ simpully rich ! 
WonH we have fun! I’m ’most afraid I’ll love you 
more’n the other one — the black haired witch.” 
And then Dolly was treated to an embrace that ruf- 
fled her hair and collar and came near ruffling her 
temper. For Dolly didn’t like such sudden familiar- 
ity, but her good manners kept her from showing 
her annoyance. 

“ Oh, you don’t fool me I ” cried Alicia ; “ I know 
you think I’m awful! Too rambunctious and all 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


that ! But I’m used to it ! At school they call me 
That Awful Alicia ! How’s that ? ” 

“ Fine, if you like it — and I believe you do ! ” 
laughed Dolly. 

“ Mind reader ! I say, Bernice, where am I to put 
my togs! You’ve squatted on every available foot 
of property in this room I I thought it was to be ours 
together I But every single bed in the room is covered 
with your rags. I’ve two trunks of duds, myself.” 

“ Two trunks ! Why did you bring so much ? ” 

“ Had to have it. There’s lots of things I carry 
around with me beside clothes. Why, I’ve brought 
a whole chafing-dish outfit.” 

“ Goodness, Alicia,” exclaimed Bernice, ‘‘ do you 
think Uncle Jeff won’t give us enough to eat ” 

‘‘ I take no chances. But it isn’t that. It’s 
thusly. Say we’re out of an evening, and on return- 
ing, are sent straight to beddy-by. How comforting 
to have the necessary for a little spread of our own I 
Oh, I’ve tried it out at school, and I can tell you 
there’s something in it. But, where, ladies and 
gentlemen, where I ask you, can I put it? Bernice 
has all the places full.” 


THE ARRIVAL 


“ Leave it in your trunk,” suggested DoUy, until 
you want to use it.” 

‘‘ Angel child ! ” cried Alicia. “ I knew you had 
some brain concealed among that mop of yellow silk 
floss! I’ll do that same, and be thankful if my 
voracious cousin leaves me enough room for a few 
scant and skimpy clodings I ” 

And then, as Perkins unpacked Alicia’s trunks and 
Foster came in to help, the room really seemed in- 
capable of holding all. 

“ We’d better get out, Doll,” said Dotty, laugh- 
ing, as Alicia deposited an armful of petticoats and 
dressing jackets in her lap. 

“ Oh, don’t go ! I want you to hold things till I 
find a place for them. And, say, are your own 
wardrobes full ? ” 

“ No I ” cried Dolly. ‘‘ Just the thing! Put your 
overflow in our room, we’ve less than a dozen dresses 
between us.” 

“ Goodness gracious me ! Oh, you’re going to buy 
a lot in the city, — I see ! ” 

“ No, we’re not,” said Dolly, who never sailed un- 
der false colours ; we brought all we had, all our 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


best ones, I mean. But we don’t have things like you 
and Bernice.’’ 

‘‘ You frank little bunch of honesty ! Isn’t she 
the darling! All right, neighbours, since you insist. 
I’ll put some seventeen or twenty-four of my Paris 
confections in your empty cupboards.” 

Of course, Alicia was exaggerating, but she really 
did take half a dozen frocks into the two D’s room, 
and hung them in outspread fashion right over their 
best costumes. 

‘‘ And, now, since one good turn deserves another,” 
she rattled on, “ I’ll just toss my extra shoes and 
slippers into your lowest bureau drawer, and my 
stockings into the next one. There’s plenty of 
room.” 

So there was, by crowding the contents already 
there. But Alicia was so quick of motion, and so 
gay of speech that they couldn’t refuse to let her 
have her way. And, too, it seemed inevitable, for 
there wasn’t room for Alicia’s things and Bernie’s in 
the same room, and the D’s shelves and bureau draw- 
ers showed much vacancy. 

‘‘ Now, what do we wear this evening? ” Alicia 
asked, tossing over her dresses. ‘‘ This, let us say? ” 


THE ARRIVAL 


She held up a low-necked evening gown of silk tissue. 

‘‘ No, you goose,” said Bernice, decidedly. 
“ Your respected uncle would think you were crazy ! 
Here, wear this.” 

Bernice picked out one of the least ornate, a pretty 
Dresden silk, and then the girls all began to dress for 
dinner. 




CHAPTER IV 


A MERRY QUARTETTE 

R eady for dinner, girls ? ” sounded a cheery 
voice, and Mrs. Berry came bustling in. 
“ Almost, aren’t you.^^ Try to remember that Mr. 
Forbes doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” 

“ I’m scared to death,” said Bernice, frankly. “ I 
never know what to say to Uncle Jeff, anyway, and 
being a guest makes it all the harder.” 

“ Pooh ! I’m not afraid,” exclaimed Alicia. “ Leave 
it to me. I’ll engineer the conversation and all you 
girls needy to do is to chip in now and then.” 

Alicia was a tall, fair girl, larger than any of the 
others. She was plump and jolly-looking, and had 
a breezy manner that was attractive because of her 
smiling good-natured face. She laughed a great 
deal, and seemed to have no lack of self-confidence 
and self-assurance. Her dress had many fluttering 
ribbons of vivid pink, and frills of lace of an inex- 
pensive varity. 

She led the way downstairs, calling out, “ March 


A MERRY QUARTETTE 


on, march on to victory ! ” and the others followed. 

The four entered the drawing-room, and found 
there a tall, dignified gentleman, in full evening dress. 
He had a handsome face, though a trifle stern and 
forbidding of expression, and his closely trimmed 
white beard was short and pointed. He had large, 
dark eyes, which darted from one girl to the other as 
the quartette appeared. 

“ H’m,” he said, ‘‘ this is Bernice ; how do you do, 
my dear.^ How do you do? ” 

“ I’m Alicia,” announced that spry damsel, gaily, 
and she caught him by the hand. 

“ Yes, and very like your mother, my dear sister. 
Well, Alicia, if you possess half her fine traits, you’ll 
make a splendid woman. But I doubt if you are 
very much like her except in appearance. You look 
to me like a flibbertigibbet, — if you know what that 
is.” 

“Yes, and I am one, thank you. Uncle Jeff,” and 
Alicia laughed gaily, not at all abashed at her uncle’s 
remark. 

“ These are my two friends from Berwick, uncle,” 
said Bernice, introducing them. “Dolly Fayre and 
Dotty Rose.” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


‘‘ You are welcome, my dears,” and the courteous 
old gentleman bowed to them with great dignity. 
‘‘I trust you can find amusement and enjoy your 
visit here. Now, let us dine.” 

Dolly looked curiously at her host, as he stood 
back, and bowed the girls out of the room, before he 
followed them, but Dotty was so interested in the sur- 
roundings that she gave no second thought to Mr. 
Forbes, as she passed him. 

The dining-room was a marvel of old time gran- 
deur. Nothing was modern, but the heavy black 
walnut sideboard and chairs spoke of long usage 
and old time ways. 

Mrs. Berry did not appear at the table, and evi- 
dently was not expected, as no place was set for her. 

Mr. Forbes sat at the head, and two girls at 
either side. A grave-faced, important looking but- 
ler directed the service, and two footmen assisted. 
Everything was of the best, and wonderfully cooked 
and served, but Dolly and Dotty could scarcely eat 
for the novelty and interest of the scence. 

“ Come, come. Miss Fayre, eat your terrapin,” 
counselled Mr. Forbes, ‘‘ it is not so good cold.” 

Oh, gracious. Uncle Jeff,” exclaimed the vola- 


A MERRY QUARTETTE 

tile Alicia, “ don’t call those kids Miss ! Call ’em 
Dotty and Dolly, do.” 

“ Can’t remember which is which,” declared her 
uncle, looking at the two D’s. I can remember the 
last names, because the Fayre girl is fair, and the 
Rose girl is rosy. I shall call them Rosy and Fairy, 
I think.” 

‘‘All right, Mr. Forbes,” and Dolly smiled and 
dimpled at the pretty conceit. 

“ And you two must call me something less 
formal,” he said. “ Suppose you call me Uncle 
Forbes, as you are not really my nieces.” 

This seemed a fine plan and was readily adopted. 

“ And now,” Mr. Forbes went on, “ I don’t mind 
confessing that I’ve no idea what to do with you 
girls. By way of entertainment, I mean.” 

“Oh, Uncle Jeff,” said Bernice, “it’s enough en- 
tertainment just to be here in New York for a week. 
Why, we will have all we can do to see the shops and 
the sights — I suppose we can go around sight- 
seeing.? ” 

“ Bless my soul, yes. Of course you can. Go 
where you like. Order the motors whenever you 
choose. Mrs. Berry wiU do all you want her to; 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


just tell her your plans. All I ask is that I shan’t 
be troubled with you during the day.” 

“ Why, uncle,” cried Alicia, “ won’t we see you at 
all in the daytime .f’ ” 

“No. I am a very busy man. I cannot have my 
work interrupted by a pack of foolish chatterers.” 

“Whatever did you ask us for?” Alicia’s round 
face wore a look of surprised inquiry. 

“ Never you mind, miss. I had a very good reason 
for asking you, but one doesn’t always tell his 
reasons. However, I expect to see you every night 
at the dinner table, and for an hour or so afterward 
in the drawing room. The rest of the time you must 
amuse yourselves. Have you any friends in New 
York, any of you? ” 

“ I have a few,” said Dotty, as the inquiring glance 
turned in her direction. 

“ Invite them to the house when you choose,” 
said Mr. Forbes, hospitably, if curtly. 

“ Oh, no, sir,” said Dotty, quickly. “ They 
wouldn’t fit in.” 

Mr. Forbes chuckled. “ You have a sense of the 
fitness of things, Miss Rosy. Why wouldn’t they 
fit in ? ” 


-C50> 


A MERRY QUARTETTE 


“ Why, they’re plain people. Not grand and ele- 
gant like you.” 

“Oho! So I’m grand and elegant, am 1.?^ And 
are you grand and elegant, too ? ” 

Dotty considered. “ Yes,” she said, finally, “ I 
am, while I’m here. I’m very adaptable, and while 
I’m in New York, I mean to be just as grand and 
elegant as the house itself.” 

Mr. Forbes burst into hearty laughter. “ Good 
for you 1 ” he cried. “ When you’re in Rome do as 
the Romans do. And you. Fairy of the golden curls. 
Are you going to be grand, also ^ ” 

“ I can’t,” returned Dolly, simply. “ I can only 
be myself, wherever I am. But I shall enjoy all the 
beautiful things as much as Dotty.” 

Again Mr. Forbes laughed. “ Y^ou’re a great 
pair,” he said. “ I’m glad I discovered you. And 
now, Bernice and Alicia, haven’t you any young 
friends in town you’d like to invite to see you here.? 
Remember the house is yours.” 

“ Oh, Uncle Jeff,” cried Alicia, “ you are too good 1 
Do you mean it.? Can we do just as we like.? In- 
vite parties, and all that .? ” 

“Yes, indeed. Why not.? Have the best time 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


possible, and see to it that those two little friends 
of yours have a good time, too.” 

“But won’t you go with us anywhere.?” asked 
Bernice ; “ I thought you’d take us to see places 
where we can’t go alone.” 

“ Bless my soul ! Take a lot of chattering mag- 
pies sightseeing! No, not if I know it I Mrs. Berry 
will take you ; and on a pinch, I might let my secre- 
tary accompany you, say to see the downtown big 
buildings or the bright lights at night.” 

“Oh, do you have a secretary.?” asked Alicia. 
“ What’s he like.? ” 

“Fenn? Oh, he’s a good sort. Very dependable 
and really accommodating. He’ll be of great help 
to you, I’m sure.” 

“ What is your business, Mr. Forbes .? ” asked 
Dolly, who was much interested in this strange type 
of man. She had never seen any one like him, and 
he seemed to her a sort of fairy godfather, who 
waved his wand and gave them all sorts of wonderful 
gifts. 

“ I haven’t any business, my dear. My occupa- 
tion and amusement is collecting specimens for my 
-C 62 :^ 


A MERRY QUARTETTE 


collection. I am an entomologist and ornithologist, 
if you know what those big words mean.” 

“ Yes, sir, I do.” And Dolly smiled back at him. 
“ Mayn’t we see your collection ” 

“ I’m not sure about that. I don’t show it to 
everybody. It is up on the fourth floor of this 
house, and no one is allowed up there unless accom- 
panied by myself or Mr. Fenn. By the way, re- 
member that, all of you. On no account go up to 
the fourth floor. Not that you’d be likely to, for 
you have no call above the second floor, where your 
rooms are. But this is a special command. The 
house is yours, as I said, but that means only this 
first floor and the one above it.” 

‘‘Goodness me. Uncle JeflT!” said Alicia, “you 
needn’t lay down the law so hard ! We’re not abso- 
lute babes, to be so strictly cautioned and forbidden ! 
If you desire us not to go up the second flight of 
stairs, of course we won’t.” 

“ That’s right, my dear, don’t. But I do lay it 
down as a law, and it is the only law I shall impose 
on you. Except for that you can follow out your 
own sweet wills.” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

“ But,” said Dotty, her dark eyes brilliant with 
the excitement of the occasion, “ I’m not always 
sure as to what is proper. I want to do just what is 
right. Is it correct for us to go about alone, in 
your big motor, with your chauffeur Can we go 
to the art galleries and the shops alone? ” 

“ Bless my soul ! I don’t know.” The big man 
looked absolutely helpless. “ Surely you must know 
such things yourselves. What do your mothers let 
you do at home? Oh, well, if you’re uncertain, ask 
Mrs. Berry, she’ll know. She’s an all-round capable 
person, and she’ll know all the unwritten laws about 
chaperonage and such things. Do as she bids you.” 

This was satisfactory, and Dotty began at once 
to make plans for the next day. 

‘‘ Let’s go to the Metropolitan Museum first,” she 
said. 

“ All right,” chimed in Alicia, “ we’ll go there in 
the morning, then. But to-morrow is Wednesda}^, 
and I want to go to a matinee in the afternoon. 
Can’t we. Uncle Jeff? ” 

‘‘ Of course you can. Tell Fenn, he’ll see about 
tickets for you. Just tell Mrs. Berry to see Fenn 
about it.” 




A MERRY QUARTETTE 


“ Oh,” sighed the outspoken Dotty, ‘‘ it is just 
like Fairyland! Tell Fenn! Just as if Fenn were 
a magician ! ” 

“ He is,” said Mr. Forbes, smiling at her enthusi- 
asm. “ I couldn’t keep house without Fenn. He’s 
my right hand man for everything. You girls 
mustn’t claim too much of his time and attention, for 
I keep him on the jump most of the time myself.” 

Does your collection keep you so busy ? ” asked 
Dolly, whose secret longing was to see that same col- 
lection, which greatly interested her. 

‘‘Yes, indeed. There’s always work to be done 
in connection with it. I’ve a lot of new specimens 
just arrived to-day, awaiting classification and tabu- 
lation.” 

After dinner they all returned to the drawing- 
room. Mr. Forbes seemed desirous of keeping up 
a general conversation, but it was hard to find a 
subject to interest him. He would talk a few mo- 
ments, and then lapse into absent-mindedness and al- 
most forget the girls’ presence. 

At times, he would get up from his chair, and stalk 
up and down the room, perhaps suddenly pausing 
in front of one of them, and asking a direct question. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ How old are you ? ” he asked abruptly of Alicia. 

‘‘ Sixteen,” she replied. “ I was sixteen last Oc- 
tober.” 

“ You look like your mother at that age. She was 
my only sister. She has now been dead — ” 

“ Ten years,” prompted Alicia. ‘‘ I was a little 
child when she died.” 

“And who looks after you now.?^ Your father’s 
sister, isn’t it ” 

“ Yes, Uncle Jeff. My Aunt Nellie. But I’m at 
school, you know. I shall be there the next four 
years, I suppose.” 

“ Yes, yes, to be sure. Yes, yes, of course. And 
you, Bernice You have no mother, either, but 
who looks after you.^ ” 

“ I look after myself. Uncle. Father thinks 
there’s no necessity for me to have a chaperon in our 
little home town.” 

“Not a chaperon, child, but you ought to have 
some one to guide and teach you.” 

“ Dad doesn’t think so. He says an American girl 
can take care of herself.” 

“ Maybe so, maybe so. It might be a good thing 
for you to go to school with Alicia.” 


A MERRY QUARTETTE 

“It might be. But I like our High School at 
home, and we learn a lot there.” 

“ But not the same kind of learning. Do they 
teach you manners and general society instruc- 
tion.? ” 

“ No,” said Bernice, smiling at thought of such 
things in connection with the Berwick school. “ But 
my father thinks those things come naturally to girls 
of good families.” 

“ Maybe so, maybe so.” And then Mr. Forbes 
again walked up and down the long room, seemingly 
lost in his own thoughts. 

Dolly and Dotty felt a little uncomfortable. 
They wanted to make themselves agreeable and en- 
tertaining, but their host seemed interested exclu- 
sively in his young relatives, and they hesitated lest 
they intrude. 

As it neared ten o’clock, Mr. Forbes paused in his 
pacing of the room, bowed to each of the four in 
turn, and then saying, courteously, “ I bid you good- 
night,” he vanished into the hall. 

Immediately Mrs. Berry entered. It seemed a 
relief to see her kind, smiling face after the uncertain 
phases of their eccentric host. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Now you young people must go to bed,” the 
housekeeper said ; “ you’re tired, — or ought to be. 
Come along.” 

Not at all unwillingly they followed her upstairs, 
and she looked after their comfort in most solicitous 
fashion. 

After she had shown them how to ring the various 
bells to call the maids or to call her, in emergency, 
and had drawn their attention to the ice water in 
thermos bottles, and told them how to adjust the 
ventilators, she bade them good-night and went 
away. 

The rooms had a communicating door, and this 
Alicia promptly threw open and came through into 
the two D’s room. 

“ Oh, isn’t it aU the greatest fun ! And did you 
ever see anything so crazy as Uncle Jeff.^ What he 
wants us here for, I don’t know ! But it’s something, 
— and something especial. He never asked us here 
to amuse him! Of that I’m certain.” 

“Not much he didn’t!” and Bernice followed 
Alicia, and perched on the edge of Dolly’s bed. 
“ Isn’t he queer ? I didn’t know he was so funny as 
he is. Did you, Alicia ? ” 

-C58> 


A MERRY QUARTETTE 


“ No ; I haven’t seen him since I was a tiny mite. 
But he’s all right. He knows what he’s about and 
I don’t wonder he doesn’t want us bothering around 
if he’s busy.” 

“ I’d love to see his collection,” said Dolly. ‘‘ I’m 
awfully interested in such things.” 

“ Oh, well, you’ll probably have a chance to see it 
while we’re here,” and Alicia began taking down her 
hair. ‘‘ Now, girls, let’s get to bed, for I’m jolly 
well tired out. But I foresee these poky evenings 
right along, don’t you.^ We’ll have to cram a lot of 
fun into our days, if the evenings are to be spent 
watching an elderly gentleman stalking around thus.” 
And then Alicia gave a very good imitation of the 
way Mr. Forbes walked around. She didn’t ridicule 
him; she merely burlesqued his manner as he paused 
to speak to them in his funny, abrupt way. 

“ What are you, my dear.^ ” she said, looking at 
Dolly. “ Are you a specimen I can use in my col- 
lection? No? Are you a fashionable butterfly? 
I say, Bernice,” she suddenly broke off, “ why was he 
so curious about the way we live at home, and who 
brings us up ? ” 

‘‘ I don’t know ; and anyway, he knew how long our 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


mothers have been dead and who takes care of us. 
Why did he ask those things over and over? ” 

“ I think he’s a bit absent-minded. Half the time 
he was thinking of matters far removed from this 
charming quartette of bewitching beauties. Well, 
it’s up to us to make our own good time. I move 
we corral the big limousine for to-morrow morning 
and go in search of adventure.” 

To the Metropolitan? ” suggested Dolly. 

Yes, if you like, though I’d rather go to the 
shops,” and Alicia gathered up her hairpins to de- 
part. Her long light hair hung round her shoul- 
ders, and she pushed it back as she affectionately 
kissed Dolly and Dotty good-night. “ You are sure 
two darlings I ” she said emphatically. 




CHAPTER V 


GOING ABOUT 

F our smiling, eager girls trooped down to break- 
fast the next morning, and found Mrs. Berry 
awaiting them. She presided at the table, and they 
learned that she would always do so at breakfast 
and luncheon, though she did not dine with them. 

Uncle Jeff says we may go to a matinee to-day,” 
said Alicia, delightedly. “ Will you see about the 
tickets, Mrs. Berry.? Uncle said Mr. Fenn would 
get them if you asked him to.” 

Yes, my dear. And what are your plans for the 
morning.? Do you want the car.? ” 

‘‘Yes, indeed,” said Bernice. “We’re going to 
the Museum and I don’t know where else.” 

“ To the Library, if we have time,” suggested 
Dolly. “ I want to see all the places of interest.” 

“ Places of interest never interest me,” declared 
Alicia. “ I think they’re poky.” 

“ All right,” returned Dolly, good-naturedly, “ I’ll 
go wherever you like.” 


<ei:y 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


Now, don’t be so ready to give in, Doll,” cau- 
tioned Bernice. “ You have as much right to your 
way as Alicia has to hers.” 

“ No, I haven’t,” and Dolly smiled brightly ; “ this 
is the house of Alicia’s uncle, and not mine.” 

“ Well, he’s my uncle, too, and what I say goes, as 
much as Alicia’s commands.” 

“ There, there, girls, don’t quarrel,” said Mrs. 
Berry, in her amiable way. “ Surely you can all be 
suited. There are two cars, you know, and if you 
each want to go in a different direction. I’ll call taxi- 
cabs for you.” 

Dolly and Dotty stared at this new lavishness, and 
Dotty said, quickly, “ Oh, no, don’t do that ! We 
all want to be together, wherever we go. And I 
think, as Dolly does, that Bernice and Alicia must 
choose, for they belong here and we’re guests.” 

‘‘ You’re two mighty well-behaved little guests,” 
and Mrs. Berry beamed at them. “ Well, settle it 
among yourselves. Now, what matinee do you want 
to go to.?* I’ll order tickets for you.” 

“ Will you go with us, Mrs. Berry? ” asked Dolly. 

No, child. I hope you’ll let me off. You girls 
are old enough to go alone in the daytime, and Kirke 


GOING ABOUT 


will take you and come to fetch you home. Now, 
what play ? ” 

“ I want to see ‘ The Lass and the Lascar ’ ; that’s 
a j oily thing, I hear,” said Alicia, as no one else sug- 
gested anything. 

“ Musical.? ” asked Bernice. 

“ Yes,” said Mrs. Berry, “ it’s a comic opera, and 
a very good one. I’ve seen it, and I’m sure you girls 
will enjoy it. I’ll order seats for that. Be sure to 
be home for luncheon promptly at one, so you can 
get ready for the theatre.” 

“ I can’t believe it all,” whispered Dotty, pinch- 
ing Dolly’s arm, as they ran upstairs to prepare for 
their morning’s trip. “ Think of our going to all 
these places in one day ! ” 

“ And six days more to come ! ” added Dolly. 
“ Oh, it is too gorgeous ! ” 

Arrayed in warm coats and furs, the laughing 
quartette got into the big car, and George, the polite 
footman, adjusted the robes, and asked their destina- 
tion. 

‘‘ To the Metropolitan Museum, first,” said Alicia, 
unselfishly. 

‘‘ Oh,” cried Dolly, with sparkling eyes, “ are we 

<6s:y 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


really going there first ! How good of you, 
Alicia!” 

And from the moment they entered the vestibule of 
the great museum, Dolly was enthralled with what 
she saw. Like one in a trance, she walked from 
room to room, drinking in the beauty or strangeness 
of the exhibits. She ignored the catalogues, merely 
gazing at the pictures or curios with an absorbed at- 
tention that made her oblivious to aU else. 

“ Watch her,” said Alicia, nudging Dotty. ‘‘ She 
doesn’t even know where she is! Just now, she’s 
back in Assyria with the people that wore that old 
jewellery ! ” 

Sure enough Dolly was staring into a case of an- 
tique bracelets and earrings of gold and jewels. She 
moved along the length of the case, noting each piece, 
and fairly sighing with admiration and wonder. 

« My gracious ! isn’t she the antiquarian ! ” ex- 
claimed Alicia. ‘‘Look here, old Professor Wise- 
acre, what dynasty does this junk belong to.? ” 

Dolly looked up with a vacant stare. 

“ Come back to earth ! ” cried Alicia, shaking with 
laughter. “ Come back to the twentieth century ! 
We mourn our loss ! ” 




GOING ABOUT 


“ Yes, come back, Dollums,” said Dotty. There 
are other rooms full of stuff awaiting your ap- 
proval.” 

Dolly laughed. “ Oh, you girls don’t appreciate 
what you’re seeing. Just think! Women wore 
these very things ! Real, live women ! ” 

“ Well, they’re not alive now,” said Bernice, and 
we are. So give us the pleasure of your company. 
Say, Dolly, some day you come up here all alone by 
yourself, and prowl around — ” 

“ Oh, I’d love to! I’ll do just that. And then I 
won’t feel that I’m delaying you girls. Where do 
you want to go now ? ” 

“Anywhere out of this old museum,” said Alicia, 
a little pettishly. “ You’ve had your way. Dotty, 
now it’s only fair I should have mine. We’ve about 
an hour left ; let’s go to the shops.” 

“ Yes, indeed,” and Dolly spoke emphatically. 
“ I didn’t realise that I was being a selfish old piggy- 
wig ! ” 

“And you’re not,” defended Bernice. ‘We all 
wanted to come here, but, well, you see, Dolly, you do 
dawdle.” 

“ But it’s such a wonder-place ! ” and Dolly gazed 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


longingly backward as they left the antiquities. 
“ And there are rooms we haven’t even looked into 
yet.” 

“ Dozens of ’em,” assented Alicia. “ But not this 
morning, my chickabiddy! I must flee to the busy 
marts and see what’s doing in the way of tempting 
bargains.” 

‘‘ All right,” and Dolly put her arm through Ali- 
cia’s. ‘‘ What are you going to buy.? ” 

Dunno, till I see something that strikes my 
fancy. But in the paper this morning, I noticed a 
special sale of ‘ Pastime Toggery ’ at Follansbee’s. 
Let’s go there.” 

“ Never heard of the place,” said Dolly. “ But 
let’s go.” 

“ Never heard of Follansbee’s ! Why, it’s the 
smartest shop in New York for sport clothes.” 

“ Is it.? We never get sport clothes. Unless you 
mean middies and sweaters. My mother buys those 
at the department stores.” 

“ Oh, you can’t get exclusive models there ! ” and 
Alicia’s face wore a reproving expression. 

‘‘ No,” said outspoken Dolly, “ but we don’t wear 


GOING ABOUT 


exclusive models. We’re rather inclusive, I expect.” 

“ Y ou’re a duck ! ” cried Alicia, who, though ultra- 
fashionable herself, liked the honesty and frankness 
of the two D’s. 

They reached the shop in question, and the four 
%irls went in. 

The Berwick girls were a little awed at the atmos- 
phere of the place, but Alicia was entirely mistress of 
the situation. 

She had many costumes and accessories shown to 
her, and soon became as deeply absorbed in their con- 
templation as Dolly had been in the Museum exhib- 
its. 

Why, for goodness’ sake ! ” cried Bernice, at 
last. “Are you going to buy out the whole shop, 
Alicia.'^ ” 

“ Why, I’m not going to buy any,” returned Ali- 
cia, looking surprised; “I’m just shopping, you 
know.” 

“ Oh, is that it? Well, let me tell you it isn’t any 
particular fun for us to look on while you ‘ shop ’ ! 
And, anyway, it’s time to be going home, or we’ll 
be late for the luncheon and for the matinee.” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

All right, I’ll go now. But wait, I want to buy 
some little thing for you girls, — sort of a souvenir, 
you know.” 

“ Good for you ! ” said Bernice, but Dolly de- 
murred. 

“ I don’t think you ought to, Alicia,” she said. 
‘‘ I don’t believe my mother would like me to take it.” 

“ Nonsense, Towhead! I’m just going to get tri- 
fles. Nobody could object to my giving you^a tiny 
token of my regard and esteem. Let me see, — how 
about silk sweaters.^ They’re always handy to have 
in the house.” 

Unheeding the girls’ protestations, Alicia selected 
four lovely colours, and asked the saleswoman to get 
the right sizes. 

Dolly’s was robin’s egg blue ; Dotty’s salmon pink ; 
Bernice’s, a deep orange, and Alicia’s own was white, 
as she declared she already had every colour of the 
rainbow. 

Then she selected an old rose one for Mrs. Berry, 
getting permission to exchange it if it should be a 
misfit. 

Alicia ordered the sweaters sent to her uncle’s 
house, and the bill sent to her father. This arrange- 
-C68> 


GOING ABOUT 


ment seemed perfectly satisfactory to the shop peo- 
ple, and the girls set off for home. 

“ I feel uncomfortable about that sweater,” an- 
nounced Dolly, as they were on their way. 

That doesn’t matter,” laughed Alicia, “ so long 
as you don’t feel uncomfortable in it ! Remove that 
anxious scowl, my little Towhead; I love to give 
things to my friends, and you must learn to accept 
trifles gracefully.” 

“ But it isn’t a trifle, Alicia. I know mother 
won’t like it.” 

‘‘Won’t like that blue sweater! Why, it’s a 
beauty ! ” 

“ I don’t mean that. I mean she won’t like for me 
to take it, — to accept it from you.” 

“ All right ; tell her you bought it yourself.” 

“ Tell a story about it ! No, thank you.” Dolly’s 
blue eyes fairly flashed at the thought. 

“Well, my stars! Dolly, don’t make such a fuss 
about it ! Throw it away, or give it to the scullery 
maid ! You don’t have to keep it ! ” 

Clearly, Alicia was annoyed. Dolly was far from 
ungrateful, and she didn’t know quite what to do. 

“ Of course, she’ll keep it,” Dotty broke in, anx- 

•C 6 9 > 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


ious to straighten matters out. ‘‘ She adores it, 
Alicia; but we girls aren’t accustomed to making 
each other gifts, — at least, not expensive ones.” 

“ Well, you needn’t make a habit of it. One 
sweater doesn’t make a summer ! I hope Mrs. Berry 
won’t be so squeamish ! If I thought she would, I’d 
throw hers in the ash barrel before I’d give it to her !” 

“ I s’pose I was horrid about it, Alicia,” said 
Dolly, contritely ; “ I do love it, really, you know I 
do; but, as Dotty says, we never give such gifts. 
Why, I can’t give j^ou anything to make up for 
it—” 

“And I don’t want you to! Y'ou little goose! 
But like as not, you can sometime do something for 
me worth more than a dozen sweaters.” 

“ I hope so, I’m sure. Will you tell me if I can? ” 

“Yes, baby -face! I declare, Dolly, it’s hard to 
realise you’re fifteen years old! You act about 
twelve, — and look ten!” 

“ Oh, not so bad as that ! ” and Dolly laughed 
gaily. “ I s’pose I do seem younger than I am, be- 
cause I’ve always lived in a small town. We don’t do 
things like city girls.” 

“ ’Deed we don’t ! ” exclaimed Dotty. “ I used to 


GOING ABOUT 


live in the city, and when I went to Berwick it was 
like a different world. But I’ve come to like it 
now.” 

“ I like it,” said Bernice, decidedly. “ I think we 
have a lot more fun in Berwick than we could in New 
York. To live, I mean. Of course, this visit here 
is lovely, but it’s the novelty and the strange sights 
that make it so. I wouldn’t want to live in New 
York.” 

‘‘ Neither would I,” and Dolly shook her head very 
positively. 

‘‘ I would,” said Alicia. “ I’d just love to live 
here, in a house like Uncle Jeff’s, and have all these 
cars and servants and everything fine.” 

‘^No, thank you,” Dolly rejoined. “It’s beauti- 
ful for a week, but it makes my head go round to 
think of living like this always.” 

“ Your head is not very securely fastened on, any- 
way,” and Alicia grinned at her. “ You’ll lose it 
some day ! ” 

“ Maybe so,” smiled Dolly, affably, and then they 
suddenly found they were back home. 

“ Good time, girlies F ” called out Mrs. Berry, as 
they entered. “ Lunch is all ready ; sit down and 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


eat it, and get dressed for the matinee afterward. 
Mr. Fenn got fine seats for you, — near the front. 
You’ll like the play, I know.” 

And like the play they did. It was a light opera, 
of the prettiest type, full of lovely scenery, gay cos- 
tumes and bright, catchy music. “ The Lass and the 
Lascar ” was its name, and the lass in question was 
a charming little girl who seemed no older than the 
quartette themselves. The Lascar was a tall, hand- 
some man, whose swarthy East Indian effects were 
picturesque and attractive. He had a magnificent 
baritone voice, and the girls sat breathless when he 
sang his splendid numbers. All four were fond of 
music and even more than the gay splendour of the 
show they enjoyed the voices and orchestra. 

“ Isn’t he wonderful ! ” exclaimed Alicia, as the 
curtain fell on the first act. “ Oh, girls, isn’t he sm- 
perh! I’m madly in love with him ! ” 

‘‘ He has a beautiful voice,” agreed Dolly, ‘‘ but I 
couldn’t be in love with him! He’s too, — too fero- 
cious ! ” 

‘‘ But that’s his charm,” declared Alicia, rolling 
her eyes in ecstasy. Oh, he is ideal 1 He’s fasci- 
nating ! ” 




GOING ABOUT 


The curtain rose again, and the Lascar proved 
even more fascinating. He was a daredevil type, as 
Lascars have the reputation of being, but he was gen- 
tle and affectionate toward the Lass, who, for some 
inexplicable reason, scorned his advances. 

“ What a fool she is 1 What a fool ! ” Alicia whis- 
pered, as the coquettish heroine laughed at the im- 
passioned love songs of her suitor. “ I should fall 
into his arms at once ! 

“ Then there wouldn’t be any more opera,” 
laughed Bernice. “ That fall into his arms is always 
the last episode on the stage.” 

‘‘ That’s so,” agreed Alicia, but how can she 
flout him so.f^ Oh, girls, isn’t he the grandest man? 
I never saw such a handsome chap ! What a lovely 
name he has, too: Bayne Coriell! A beautiful 
name.” 

‘‘ Good gracious, Alicia ! don’t rave over him like 
that ! Somebody will hear you ! ” 

“ I don’t care. I never saw any one so wonder- 
ful ! I’m going to get his picture when we go out. 
I suppose it’s for sale in the lobby. They usually 
are.” 

“ Are they? ” asked Dolly. ‘‘ Then I want to get 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


one of the Lass. Marie Desmond, her name is. Can 
I, do you think.? ” 

“ Yes, of course, Dollykins. You get that and 
I’ll get my hero, my idol, Bayne Coriell ! ” 

As it chanced the photographs were not on sale at 
the theatre, but an usher told Alicia where they could 
be bought, and she directed Kirke to stop there on 
the way home. 

She bought several different portraits of the 
man who had so infatuated her and Dolly bought 
two photographs of Miss Desmond. The other girls 
said they didn’t care for any pictures, and laughed 
at the enthusiasm of Alicia and Dolly. 

“ I want this,” Dolly defended herself, “ because 
sometime I’m going to be an opera singer. I did 
mean to sing in Grand Opera, and maybe I will, but 
if I can’t do that. I’ll sing in light opera, and I like 
to have this picture to remind me how sweet Miss 
Desmond looks in this play.” 

“ Pooh,” said Alicia, ‘‘ that’s all very well. But 
I want these pictures of Bayne Coriell because he’s 
such a glorious man! Why, he’s as handsome as 
Apollo. And, girls, I don’t believe he’s hardly any 
older than we are.” 




GOING ABOUT 


‘‘ Oh, he must be,” returned Dotty. ‘‘ Why, he’s 
twenty-two or more, I’m sure.” 

“ Maybe he is twenty, but not more than that. 
Oh, how I wish I could meet him! Think of the joy 
of talking to a man like that I ” 

“ Well, it’s not likely you’ll ever meet Bayne Cori- 
ell,” said Bernice, laughing at the idea ; ‘‘ so you 
needn’t hope for that! ” 




CHAPTER VI 


A MATINEE IDOL 

Uncle Jeff,” Alicia cried, as they gath- 
ered round the dinner-table that same night, 
“ we went to the splendidest play ! It was a light 
opera, ‘ The Lass and the Lascar.’ Have you seen 
it?” 

^‘No, my dear, I rarely go to the theatre; never 
to foolish pieces like that! But it’s all right for 
you young people. So you enjoyed it, did you? 
How did you like — ” 

But Alicia’s babble interrupted him. “ Oh, Un- 
cle, it was simply out of sight 1 And the hero 1 Ah- 
h-h!” 

Alicia leaned back in her chair and closed her 
eyes as if the memory of the hero was overwhelming. 

“ Took your fancy, did he? ” asked her uncle, with 
a twinkle in his eye. “ Good-looking chap ? ” 

‘‘ Good-looking faintly expresses it ! ” and Alicia 


A MATINEE IDOL 


returned to consciousness. ‘‘ He was like a Greek 
god! And his charm! Oh, Uncle Jeff, he is just 
‘indescribable ! I wish you could see him.” 

“ Must be a paragon 1 What did the rest of you 
girls think! Were you hit so hard? ” 

Dotty laughed. ‘‘ He was splendid. Uncle 
Forbes,” she said, “but we didn’t fall so head over 
heels in love with him as Alicia did. He has a stun- 
ning voice and he’s a fine actor.” 

“ Oh, more than that ! ” raved Alicia. “ He’s a 
darling! a man of a thousand! ” 

“ A young man? ” asked Mr. Forbes. 

“ Yes,” replied Bernice. “ Alicia thinks he isn’t 
twenty, but he can’t be much more. He looked a 
mere boy.” 

“ Wasn’t that because he was made up as a young 
character in the play ? ” 

“ Partly,” admitted Alicia. “ But he’s a very 
young man, anyway. Oh, Uncle Jeff, I’m just crazy 
over him ! I think I shall go to see that play every 
chance I can possibly get. Could we go to an eve- 
ning performance? ” 

“Speak for yourself, John!” cried Bernice. “I 
don’t want to see that play again! I enjoyed it 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


heaps, and I think Mr. Coriell was fine, but next time 
we go I’d rather see something else.” 

“ So would I,” said the two D’s together. 

“ How can you say so ! ” and Alicia looked at the 
others in scorn. ‘‘ You’ll never find any actor who 
can hold a candle to Coriell! I have his picture. 
Uncle,” and, excusing herself, she left the table to 
get them. 

“ H’m, yes, a good-looking man,” agreed Mr. 
Forbes, as he scrutinised the photographs. “ But, 
Alicia, you mustn’t fall in love with every operatic 
tenor you see. I believe this Coriell is a ‘ matinee 
idol,’ but don’t allow him to engage your young af- 
fections.” 

“Too late with your advice. Uncle Jeff!” and 
Alicia gazed raptly at the pictures. “ I adore him ! 
and the fact that my adoration is hopeless makes it 
all the more interesting. Oh, isn’t he a wonder! ” 

Gaily she set the pictures up in front of her, prop- 
ping them on glasses or salt cellars, and continued to 
make mock worship at his shrine. 

“ Don’t be silly, Alicia,” commented her uncle, but 
she only shook her head at him, and gave a mournful 
sigh. 


-C78> 


A MATINEE IDOL 


The girls spent the evening much the same as they 
had done the night before. They all sat in the 
stately drawing-room, and endeavoured to make con- 
versation. But Uncle Jeff was hard to talk to, for 
he rarely stuck to one subject for more than five min- 
utes at a time, and abruptly interrupted the girls 
when they were trying their best to be entertaining. 

Alicia continued to chatter about her new-found 
enthusiasm, until her uncle commanded her to desist. 

“ May I beg of you, Alicia,” he said, sternly, “ to 
cease raving over that man.?^ He’s doubtless old 
enough to be your father, and would be bored to 
death could he hear your nonsense about him ! ” 

Alicia looked put out, but a glance at her uncle’s 
face proved his seriousness, and she said no more 
about the actor. 

The evening wore away, but it seemed to the girls 
as if it never would be ten o’clock. And it was 
greatly to their relief, when, at about half-past nine, 
Mr. Forbes bade them good-night and went off up- 
stairs. 

« It is all the queerest performance,” said Bernice. 
‘‘ What in the world does Uncle Jeff want of us, — I 
can’t make out. The outlook seems to be that we 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


can have all the fun we want daytimes, and pay for it 
by these ghastly evening sessions.” 

“ There’s something back of it all,” said Alicia, 
astutely. This revered uncle of ours, Bernie, has 
something up his sleeve.” 

“ I think so, too,” said Dotty. ‘‘ He scrutinises 
us all so closely, when he thinks we’re not looking. 
But I, for one, am quite willing to put up with these 
evenings for the sake of the fun we have in the day- 
time.” 

“ I should say so ! ” agreed Dolly. “We never 
can thank you enough, Bern, for bringing us.” 

“ And I’m glad to have you here,” said Mrs. 
Berry, entering the room. “ You’re like a ray of sun- 
shine in this dull house, — like four rays of sunshine.” 

“But why are we here.?^ ” insisted Alicia. “You 
must know why, Mrs. Berry. Do tell us.” 

“ You’re here, my dears, because Mr. Forbes in- 
vited you. There is no other reason, — no other ex- 
planation. And now, tell me, did you like the 
play? ” 

“ Did we like it ! ” exclaimed the volatile Alicia, 
“ we’re just crazy over it. Why, the chief actor — ” 


A MATINEE IDOL 


“ Now, ’Licia,” protested Dolly, “ if you’re going 
to begin raving over that man again ! ” 

“Well, I am!” declared Alicia. “I just can’t 
help it I ” 

Nor did she seem able to curb her enthusiasm, for 
after the girls went to their rooms, she kept on ex- 
tolling Mr. Coriell until the others were tired of the 
subject. 

And even when the D’s were nearly ready for bed, 
and, in kimonos, were brushing their hair, Alicia 
burst into their room, exclaiming, “ I’ve the grandest 
plan I I’m going to invite Mr. Coriell to come here 
and call on me I ” 

“ Alicia Steele ! ” Dotty cried, “ you’re not going 
to do any such thing!” 

“ Yes, I am. Uncle Jeff said we could invite any- 
body we wanted to, — that’s permission enough for 
me.” 

“ But he didn’t mean some one you don’t know at 
all, — and an actor at that ! ” 

“ I don’t care. He didn’t make any exceptions, 
and I’m going to do it. I’m going to write the note 
now.” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


She went back to her own room, and sat down at 
the pretty little escritoire that was there. 

“ How shall I address him.^ ” she asked, but more 
of herself than the others. 

“Not at all!” said Dolly, and she took the pen 
from Alicia’s fingers. “ You must be crazy to think 
of such a thing ! ” 

“ Don’t do it, Alicia,” begged Dotty ; “ tell her 
not to, Bernice.” 

“ I don’t care what she does,” and Bernice laughed. 
“ It’s none of my affair. I think it would be rather 
good fun, only I know he wouldn’t come.” 

“ I think he would,” said Alicia. “ Anyway, I’m 
going to tell him how I adored his acting and his 
singing, and I guess he’U be glad to come to call at 
Jefferson Forbes’ house! I think I’ll ask him to 
afternoon tea. Why, it isn’t such a terrible thing, 
as you seem to think, Dolly. Anybody has a right 
to write to an actor, — they expect it. He probably 
gets hundreds of notes every day.” 

“ Then he won’t notice yours. He can’t possibly 
accept a hundred invitations.” 

“ Oh, they don’t all invite him. Any way, I’m 
going to write.” 




A MATINEE IDOL 


Alicia found another pen, and soon produced this 
effusion : 

“ My dear Mr, Coriell, 

“ I’m just simply crazy over your performance in 
^ The Lass and the Lascar ’ and I feel that I must 
meet you. I shall die if I don’t ! Please, oh, please 
give me an opportunity. Will you come to see me 
at my uncle’s house, Mr. Jefferson Forbes.^ Can 
you come to-morrow or Friday ? I can’t exist if you 
say No 1 So grant the plea of 

“ Your devoted admirer, 

“ Alicia Steele.” 

“It’s perfectly horrid!” and Dolly’s fair face 
grew flushed with anger. “ You ought to be 
ashamed of yourself, Alicia.” 

“ Now, look here, Dolly Fayre,” and Alicia’s eyes 
flashed, “ I won’t be dictated to by a little country 
ignoramus ! I’ve had experience in the ways of the 
world, and you haven’t. Now suppose you let me 
alone. It’s none of your business, as you very well 
know.” 

“ Dolly was only advising you for your own 
good ! ” Dotty flashed out, indignant at the rebuff 
to her chum ; “ but, truly, Doll, it isn’t up to you 

Cssy 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


to tell Alicia what to do. This is her uncle’s house, 
not yours, and you’re in no way responsible for her 
doings.” 

“ I know it,” and Dolly looked serious, “ but I 
know, too, Alicia will be sorry and ashamed if she 
sends that silly letter ! ” 

“ Let her be, then,” counselled Bernice. ‘‘ If 
Uncle Jeff doesn’t like it, that’s Alicia’s affair, not 
ours. Leave her alone, Dolly.” 

But Dolly made one more effort. 

Listen, Alicia,” she said, pleadingly ; “ at least, 
ask Mrs. Berry’s advice. She’s awfully indulgent, 
you know, and if she says all right, — then go ahead.” 

Alicia looked at Dolly. To tell the truth, she had 
misgivings herself about the plan, but she was too 
proud to be advised. 

“ I’ll tell you what,” she decided, at last ; “ you 
said, only to-day, Dolly, that you’d be glad to do 
something for me. Now, prove that you meant it. 
You go and ask Mrs. Berry if we can do this. She’s 
awfully fond of you, and she’d say yes to you 
quicker’n she would to me. So, if you’re so anxious 
for her consent, go and ask her. She’s in her room, 
— I just heard her go in.” 

-C84> 


A MATINEE IDOL 


But, Alicia,” and Dolly looked dismayed, “ 7 
don’t want to do this thing ! Why should I ask Mrs. 
Berry for what you want? ” 

Because you said you’d be glad to do me a 
favour. I knew you didn’t mean it! I knew you’d 
fizzle out when the time came ! ” 

“ She hasn’t fizzled out ! ” exclaimed Dotty. 
‘‘ Doll never breaks a promise. But, say, Alicia, 
I’ll go and ask Mrs. Berry. How’s that? ” 

‘‘ No, Dolly’s got to go, if any one does. She 
said she’d love to do me a favour, now let her do it.” 

It was evidently a test case with Alicia, and one 
glance at her determined face convinced Dolly, that 
she would never be forgiven if she failed to do this 
thing. 

“ All right,” she said, slowly, “ I’ll go and ask 
Mrs. Berry. But I shall tell her it’s for you, Alicia. 
I shan’t let her think I want to ask that man here 1 ” 
‘‘ Hold on, Dolly. Don’t you think it would be 
nice if he should come, with Mrs. Berry’s permis- 
sion ? ” 

Yes, I think that would be lots of fun ; but she 
won’t give permission, Alicia. I know that as well 
as I know my own name I ” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Of course, she won’t, if you go about it that 
way! I depend on you to coax her or get around 
her some way to make her say yes. See? Don’t 
think that you can go in there and say ‘ May we? ’ 
and have her say ‘ No,’ and let that end it 1 I tell 
you you’ve got to get her consent. You’ve got to 
do this for me, because you said you’d do whatever 
I asked you.” 

“ Oh, Alicia ! ” and Dotty shook her head vigor- 
ously, ‘‘ Doll never said that! ” 

Well, she meant that. And what’s the use of 
her doing anything I can do for myself? But you 
all know she’s Mrs. Berry’s pet of the four of us — ” 

‘‘ No, I’m not,” and Dolly looked deeply troubled. 

“ Yes, you are, and it’s just because you’re so 
mild and meek. Now, will you go and ask her? 
You’ll have to be quick or she’ll have gone to bed.” 

‘‘ Yes, I’ll go,” and Dolly showed sudden determi- 
nation. 

“ And will you promise to do all you can to make 
her say yes — ” 

“ I’ll do that, Alicia, but I can’t promise to make 
her say yes.” 

“ You can if you coax her. And don’t let her 


A MATINEE IDOL 


think it’s all for my benefit. Because it isn’t. You 
girls will have just as much fun as I will, if he 
comes.” 

Dolly twisted up her golden curls in a loose knot, 
and still in her trailing dressing-gown, she went down 
the hall to Mrs. Berry’s room and tapped gently at 
the door. 

It was opened at once, and Dolly was glad to see 
Mrs. Berry had not yet begun her preparations for 
the night, so she was not disturbing her. 

‘‘ What is it, dearie ’’ asked the kind-hearted 
lady ; “ come in. Sit down.” 

Dolly sat down in a little rocker, and was sud- 
denly seized with a fit of shyness. The request she 
had come to make seemed so impossible, that she 
couldn’t put it into words. Mrs. Berry saw her em- 
barrassment, and kindly strove to put her at ease. 

‘‘ How do you like my room ? ” she said, cordially ; 
“ you’ve never been in here before.” 

‘‘ It’s lovely,” said Dolly, looking about at the 
pretty furnishings ; it’s in a sort of back extension, 
isn’t it? ” 

“ Yes, this a narrower part of the house, and gives 
me an outlook on our tiny yard as well as on the 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


side street. It’s a very satisfactory room, except 
for my neighbour,” and she laughed. 

‘‘Who is the unsatisfactory neighbour?” asked 
Dolly, smiling in response. 

“ Not the people next door, they’re quiet enough; 
but they have a parrot, and he’s in the room just 
across from this, and he chatters so often that it 
is sometimes very annoying. Look over, you can 
see him now.” 

Sure enough, as Dolly looked from the window, 
she saw a big Polly in a cage at the opposite case- 
ment. Only thin lace curtains were between, and 
Dolly could clearly see the beautiful bird. 

“ It’s a lovely parrot,” she said, “ but I suppose 
his chatter is just as bothersome as if he were 
a homelier bird. Well, Mrs. Berry,” and she turned 
from the window, “ I’ve come to ask you some- 
thing.” 

“ And something that you hesitate to ask, — I can 
see that. But don’t be afraid, dear. Tell me what 
it is, and if I have to refuse you, at least I won’t 
do it harshly.” 

“ I know you won’t ! ” and Dolly felt ashamed of 
her fears. “ Well, it’s just this. Alicia, — that is, 
-C88> 


A MATINEE IDOL 


we’re all of us just crazy over the hero in the play 
we saw this afternoon, and we — that is, we think it 
would be nice if we could — if we could ask him to 
— to call here, on us.” 

The dreaded speech was made, and though Mrs. 
Berry looked surprised, she didn’t exclaim in horror 
at the idea. 

“ Whose plan is this ? ” she asked, quietly. 

“ Why, — well, — we all want it.” 

“ Yes, but who first thought of it.?^ ” 

“ Alicia spoke of it, and — the others agreed, — 
we aU agreed, — that it would be lots of fun, — if you 
approved of it.” 

Now Mrs. Berry could see a hole through a mill- 
stone, and she knew as well as if she had been told, 
that the others had planned this thing, — probably 
Alicia or Bernice, — and had made Dolly their 
spokesman, because of her good-natured acquiescence. 

What do you think of the idea.?* ” she said smil- 
ing. 

At first it seemed to me a very forward thing to 
do,” Dolly replied, looking very sober ; “ but if you 
think it’s all right, I’d like to meet Mr. Coriell. You 
see, I’m going to be an opera singer myself, some 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

day, and there are a few questions I’d like to ask 
him.” 

Mrs. Berry gasped. “ You do beat the diclcens ! ” 
she exclaimed. “ So you’re going on the stage, are 
you.? ” 

‘‘ Yes, I think so.” 

“ Then of course you ought to meet an actor. 
Tell Alicia to go ahead and ask this man. Tell her 
to invite him to tea on Friday. I’ll arrange a pretty 
tea-party for you.” 

“ Oh, I’ll tell her ! She’ll be so glad ! ” and Dolly 
departed, quite unconscious that she had unwittingly 
betrayed Alicia’s principal part in the scheme. 




CHAPTER VII 


GREAT PREPARATIONS 

D emurely Dolly went back to her room. 

The other girls were breathlessly awaiting her 
return, and pounced on her for the news. 

“ At least you got back alive ! ” cried Dotty as she 
grabbed Dolly by the arms and danced her up and 
down the room. 

“ But what did she say ? ” demanded Alicia, in 
fiery impatience. 

Don’t you wish you knew ! ” and Dolly fell into 
a teasing mood, and when Dolly Fayre felt like teas- 
ing, she was adept at it! 

Tell us I Tell us I ” cried Bernice. ‘‘ Oh, Dolly, 
tell us!” 

“ Tell you what ? ” asked Dolly, with an inno- 
cent stare. 

‘‘ Tell us what Mrs. Berry said.” 

“ Oh, she asked me how I liked her room, and 
she showed me the parrot next door. It’s a beauti- 
ful bird — ” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Never mind a bird ! What did she say about 
Mr. Coriell.?* ” 

“ Why, we talked about the parrot first. You 
see, his cage hangs in a window right across from 
hers, not ten feet away — ” 

“ Nonsense ! ” cried Alicia, ‘‘ who cares about the 
parrot ! Tell us about my hero ! ” 

“ She says he has a dreadful voice, and squawks 
like fury — ” 

“ Oh, he hasn^t! He’s a wonderful singer ! ” 

“ I mean the parrot,” said Dolly, mischievously 
enjoying Alicia’s disgusted look. ‘‘ And she says 
we can ask him to tea.” 

“ Who.^ the parrot ” This from Dotty. 

“No, you silly! Mr. Coriell. But, of course, if 
you’d rather have the parrot — ” 

“ Oh, Dolly, do be sensible 1 ” and Bernice looked 
exasperated ; “ are you going to teU us all about 
it or not? ” 

“ Not if you’re so rude to me ! Certainly not I 
You are dismissed, you two. Dot and I are going to 
bed.” 

“ Not much you’re not! ” declared Alicia. “ Not 
till you tell us what Mrs. Berry said.” 


GREAT PREPARATIONS 


“ Then you must ask me with due politeness and 
proper courtesy. I can’t report to a lot of cac- 
kling geese ! You’re worse than parrots ! ” 

“ Please, dear, sweet Dollyrinda, what did the lady 
say? ” begged Dotty, in wheedling tones. 

“ Ah, yes, tell us,” and Alicia took the cue. 
“ Angel child ! Beautiful blonde Towhead ! what, — 
oh, vouchsafe to deign to tell us, what did she 
say ? ” 

‘‘ Whoop it up, Dollums,” said Bernice, laughing, 
“ out. with it, you little rascal. Did she hold up her 
hands in horror?” 

“ She did not” said Dolly, with dignity. ‘‘ She 
said, that if Alicia chose, she might invite the gentle- 
man to tea on Friday, and that she would see to it 
that there was a nice tea-party prepared for his 
benefit. There, who's a good ambassador? ” 

“ You are ! you blessed angel ! ” cried Alicia, 
warmly ; “ you’re a wonder ! a marvel ! a peach ! a 
pippin! Oh, you’re just all there is of it! Did 
she really say that? ” 

“ Oh, you want to know what she really said,” and 
Dolly’s head went on one side, as she began to tease 
again. 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Of course, that’s what she really said,” inter- 
posed Dotty, who didn’t want any more high words. 
‘‘ ’Licia, be satisfied with that, and scoot to bed.” 

“ Nothing of the sort. We’re going to make 
fudge to celebrate! I told you I had my chafing- 
dish ; don’t you girls feel f udgy ? ” 

“ I could nibble a morsel,” Bernice said, ‘‘ and not 
half try. How about you. Dot.? ” 

“ I’m right there — with bells on I ” 

“ Isn’t it too late.? ” objected Dolly. 

‘‘ Now, look here, priggy-wig,” and Alicia shook 
a finger at her, “ if you don’t quit that spoilsporting 
of yours, there’ll be trouble in camp! The truth is, 
there’s not much fun in making fudge, just ’cause 
there’s nobody to forbid it! At school, we have to 
do it on the sly. Here, if Mrs. Berry or Uncle Jeff 
knew we thought of it, they’d send forty ’leven foot- 
men and maids to help us ! ” 

“ That’s so,” laughed Dolly ; “ I wasn’t thinking 
of them. But isn’t it time we all went to bed.? ” 

“ Of course it is, young hayseed. That’s why 
we’re staying up. Also, it makes you so delightfully 
sleepy next morning! Now, do you come to this 
fudge party or do you go to bed.? ” 


GREAT PREPARATIONS 


Do I come to it ! ” cried Dolly, in disdain. 
“ Well, I like that ! Why, your old fudge party is 
for me! I’m the heroine of the hour! Who went 
on your desperate and dangerous errand, I’d like to 
know ! Who got permission to invite your old 
Coriell man to tea? Come, now, declare the fudge 
party a feast in my honour, or call it off ! ” 

‘‘ It is ! it is ! ” laughed Alicia. To the victor 
belong the spoils. The party is all for you, and if 
you will accept our humble invitation come right into 
our room and make yourself at home.” 

So the two D’s went into the other girls’ room, 
and Alicia got out her chafing-dish set and prepared 
for the feast. 

“ How are you going to make fudge with nothing 
but chocolate? ” laughed Dotty. 

“ That’s so,” said Alicia, looking blank. “ I for- 
got I had to have milk and butter and sugar and 
a lot of things. Guess we can’t do it.” 

“ Guess we can ! ” retorted Bernice, and she pushed 
a bell button. 

“ Oh, Bernie ! ” exclaimed Dotty, you oughtn’t 
to call the maid so late ! She’U be in bed.” 

Then she won’t answer,” said Bernice, calmly. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


But in a moment a maid did come, and smilingly 
listened to their requests. 

‘‘ Some milk, please,” said Alicia, “ and sugar, and 
butter, — ” 

“All the things for fudge, miss? ” asked the girl, 
her eyes taking in the chafing-dish. “ Certainly. 
In a moment.” 

She disappeared and the girls burst into peals of 
laughter. 

“ It’s impossible to do anything frisky here,” said 
Alicia, “ because everything we want to do, is looked 
on as all right ! ” 

“ Well, it isn’t a dreadful thing to make fudge of 
an evening,” put in Bernice. 

“ No,” agreed Dolly, “ but I wouldn’t think of 
doing it at my house. After I’d gone to my room 
for the night, I mean.” 

“ It’s a funny thing,” said Alicia, “ but all the 
fun of it’s gone now. I don’t care two cents for the 
fudge, it’s the excitement of doing it secretly, that 
appeals to me. We do it at school, and we have to be 
so fearfully careful lest the teachers hear us.” 

“ I know what you mean,” said Dolly, “ but I 
don’t believe I feel that way. I love fudge, but I’d a 
<d6> 


GREAT PREPARATIONS 


whole lot rather have people know we’re making it 
than to do it on the sly.” 

“ You’re a little puritan,” and Alicia flew over and 
kissed her. ‘‘No wonder Mrs. Berry said yes to 
you, you probably made her think it was a duty to 
humanity ! ” 

When the maid returned with the trayful of things 
they had asked for, there was also a goodly plate of 
frosted cakes and a dish of fruit. 

“ In case you might feel hungry,” she explained. 
“ Mrs. Berry was saying the other day, how hungry 
young folks do be gettin’. Shall I return for the 
tray, miss ? ” 

“ No,” said Dolly, kindly. “ You go to bed. 
We’ll set the things out in the hall, when we’re fin- 
ished, and you can take them away in the morn- 
ing.” 

“ Thank you, miss,” and the maid went away, leav- 
ing the girls to their spread. 

“ I’m not going to make fudge,” said Alicia, 
“ there’s enough here to eat, without it.” 

“ I’ll do it, then,” said Dolly. “ I’m not going 
to make all this trouble and then not seem to appre- 
ciate it.” 


-C97> 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


She began to cut the chocolate, and Dotty helped 
her. 

Alicia made the chafing-dish ready, and Bernice 
set out a table for them. 

“ This is splendid fudge,” Alicia remarked, as at 
last they sat enjoying the feast. “You must give 
me your recipe.” 

“Probably just like yours,” smiled Dolly; “but 
it always tastes better if somebody else makes it.” 

“ Not always ! It depends on who makes it. This 
is fine ! ” 

“ Even if we are not doing it on the sly ? I de- 
clare, Alicia, I can’t understand that feeling of 
yours. I s’pose you don’t care so much about Mr. 
Coriell, since Mrs. Berry is willing.” 

“ It does take the snap out of it,” Alicia admitted. 
“ But I couldn’t do that on the sly, anyway. I 
mean if I had him here. I wish I could meet him 
somewhere else, — at some tearoom, or somewhere.” 

“ Oh, Alicia, I think you’re horrid ! Nice girls 
don’t do things like that ! ” Dolly’s big blue eyes 
expressed such amazement that Alicia laughed out- 
right. 

“ You little innocent ! ” she cried. 


GREAT PREPARATIONS 


“ I’d rather be innocent than illbred,” Dolly 
flashed back. 

“ Well, wait till you go to boarding-school and 
you’ll get some of those strait-laced notions knocked 
out of you.” 

“ I don’t ever expect to go. I wouldn’t like to 
leave home. And that reminds me, girls, I must skip. 
I’ve got to write up my diary before I go to bed. 
You do my share of the clearing up, won’t you. 
Dot.?” 

“ ’Course I will,” and Dolly ran off to the other 
room while the three cleared away the party and set 
the tray out in the hall. 

“Is Dolly always so goody-goody.?” asked 
Alicia. 

Dotty took the question seriously. “ I shouldn’t 
call her that,” she said ; “ but she isn’t very mis- 
chievous, and she’s as honest as the day is long. 
She positively abhors deceit. And, somehow, Alicia, 
all the things that you think are fun, are the sort 
of things she doesn’t stand for. That’s all. DoU 
isn’t a prig, — is she, Bernice.? ” 

“ No ; she’s as fond of fun as anybody. But 
Alicia rubs her the wrong way.” 

-C99> 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ I don’t mean to. Only I don’t see any harm in 
pranks that she thinks are fearful.” 

“ Well, you ought to bless her for getting the 
Coriell matter fixed up. I don’t believe Mrs. Berry 
would have done it for any of us. But when Dolly 
asked her, I s’pose she made it seem all right.” 

“ It is all right,” defended Alicia. 

“ Oh, I don’t know,” and Bernice looked doubtful. 
“ I don’t think the Fayres or Roses would like it 
much ; I doubt if my dad would approve. But what 
Mrs. Berry says, goes.” 

“ It does so! ” assented Alicia, and then they all 
said good-night. 

Alicia’s letter was mailed next morning and to 
her surprise a reply arrived about noon, brought by 
a messenger. It said : 

My dear Miss Steele: 

Your welcome invitation is here. I cannot accept 
for to-morrow as I have an important engagement 
then, but I will do myself the pleasure of calling upon 
you to-day at four o’clock, and trust I may find you 
at home. 

Sincerely yours, 

Bayne Coriell. 


•Cioo> 


GREAT PREPARATIONS 


‘‘ Oh, isn’t it wonderful ! ” sighed Alicia. A let- 
ter from him! Oh, girls, I’m so happy! How can 
I wait for four o’clock I ” 

She ran away to teU Mrs. Berry of the letter. 

« Very well,” said the kind-hearted woman, it’s 
just as well to have him come to-day. Suppose we 
have tea in the small reception room, it’s cosier than 
the drawing-room.” 

“ All right,” said Alicia. ‘‘ Will Uncle Jeff come 
down, do you think ? ” 

“ I doubt it. However, I’ll tell him you expect 
Mr. CorieU, and he can do as he likes.” Mrs. Berry 
had a peculiar twinkle in her eye, and Alicia noted 
it, and wondered what it meant. The whole affair 
seemed mysterious, for she had not supposed Mrs. 
Berry would be so ready to receive this strange 
young man. 

“ You think it’s aU right for us to receive him, 
don’t you, Mrs. Berry ” she asked, for she began to 
fear lest she had been too unconventional. 

“ I daresay it’s all right, my dear. Of course, 
such things weren’t done in my day, but young folks 
are different now. And Mr. Forbes said you girls 
were to do pretty much as you like.” 

-ClOO 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


‘^Were you surprised at our asking for this?” 
Alicia persisted. 

‘‘Well, yes, since you ask me, I must say I was 
surprised. Especially when I found Dolly Fayre was 
the ringleader.” 

“ Oh, — well, — she did ask you, didn’t she ? 
Maybe DoUy isn’t such a quiet little mouse as she 
seems.” 

“ Dolly’s all right,” and Mrs. Berry spoke with 
some asperity. “ Now, I’ll send tea in at quarter 
past four, is that your idea.f^” 

“ Oh, Mrs. Berry, won’t you be present? ” 

“ No ; I have my duties, and I observe them prop- 
erly, but to preside at tea is not one of them. Your 
uncle expressly ordered that.” 

“ Do you mean Uncle J eff ordered that we should 
receive Mr. Coriell alone?” 

“ Well, he didn’t direct that I should be there. If 
he wants to come down, he will.” 

“ Very well,” and Alicia suddenly became dignified, 
“we can manage. I suppose it will be proper to 
dress up a good deal? ” 

Again that amused smile flitted over Mrs. Berry’s 
face. 




GREAT PREPARATIONS 


As you like,” she said, indifferently. “ All your 
frocks are pretty.” 

Alicia returned to the others, and told them all 
the conversation. 

“ I hope Uncle Forbes does come down,” said 
Dolly, “ I think it would be nicer to have him there.” 

‘‘ Come, now, old mother Prim, don’t throw cold 
water on our little party,” said Alicia. “ You know 
how the conversation would run, with uncle at the 
helm!” 

“ It wouldn’t run at all,” laughed Bernice, “ it 
would stagnate ! ” 

When the girls began to dress for the tea, there 
was a wide diversity of opinion as to appropriate 
costumes, 

“ Our very best,” said Alicia decidedly. “ Noth- 
ing’s too good for Bayne ! ” 

“ You’d better be careful,” warned Dotty, “ you’ll 
call him Bayne to his face I You use it so much 1 ” 

“ Don’t care if I do ! ” returned Alicia, pertly. 
“ I say, Doll, is that your best frock ” 

“ Yes, except an evening one.” 

“ Let’s see your evening one. I’ll bet it’s just 
about right for this afternoon.” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


Dolly produced a pretty light blue affair of chif- 
fon, and Alicia exclaimed, “ Wear that, of course. 
It’s really no evening dress at all, but it’s a very 
nice afternoon thing.” 

Dolly looked dubious. What are you going to 
wear. Dots.?’ ” she said. 

“ Oh, I s’pose we might as well wear our best ones. 
As Alicia says, they’re aU right for afternoon here, 
though they wouldn’t be in Berwick.” 

‘‘ All right,” and Dolly put on her pretty fluffy 
dress. Very lovely she looked, her golden curls 
twisted up high on her head, and held by a bandeau 
of blue ribbon. 

Dotty’s dress was yellow, and very becoming. She 
wore a black velvet headband, and Alicia cried out 
in approval when she saw the two D’s ready for in- 
spection. 

« My 1 ” she said, “ you look better than I do ! 
Now, I am mad! ” 

But her rage was only simulated, and she didn’t 
really think what she said. 

She herself wore a most elaborate embroidered 
dress of rich pink silk. It was trimmed, too, with 
pearl bead fringe, and to Dolly’s simple taste it was 


GREAT PREPARATIONS 


too fussy. But Dotty admired it, and Bernice 
thought it wonderful. 

“ It is a good thing,” said Alicia, carelessly. 
“ It’s imported. I’ve never had it on before.” 

Bernice had a lovely dress of white tulle, with white 
satin ribbons ; — lovely, that is, for evening, but too 
dressy for daytime. However, as the winter dusk 
fell early, the lights were on, and it seemed almost 
like evening. 


-C105> 


CHAPTER VIII 


THE CALLER 


HE four girls, in the reception room, waited 



X the coming of their guest. To their surprise, 
Mr. Forbes came in, and looked them over with a 
chuckle. 

Well, you are ready for the fray, aren’t you? ” 
he said, taking in their dressy finery and their im- 
portant, self-conscious airs. 

‘‘Yes, Uncle Jeff,” responded Alicia; “will you 
stay and see our young man ? ” 

For some unexplained reason. Uncle Jeff laughed 
heartily. But he checked his merriment, and said, 
“ No, Alicia, I fear I might intrude ; I know you 
want to flirt with this young actor, and I’d be a 
spoilsport. But let me warn you to be very gentle 
with him. You see, he may be so overcome by this 
galaxy of youth and beauty that he’ll be embarrassed 
and run away ! ” 

“ Nonsense, uncle,” said Bernice, “ actors are not 


-Cloe:}- 


THE CALLER 


easily embarrassed. More likely we girls will be 
struck dumb at his splendour and importance.” 

Well, tell me all about it afterward,” and still 
chuckling, Mr. Forbes went off. 

“ What ails Uncle ? ” said Alicia, pettishly. 
“ Anybody’d think he had a joke on us.” 

‘‘ No,” Dotty rejoined, “ only he’s sort of old, 
you know, and he doesn’t see the fun in this, as we 
do.” 

‘‘ Well, I wish the fun would hurry up ! It’s after 
four now.” 

‘‘ Such people are never on time,” said Alicia, with 
a great air of experience. “ He’s sure to be late. 
Oh, there’s the bell now ! ” 

The girls, with hearts beating high, grouped them- 
selves in a picturesque pose, which they had prac- 
tised beforehand, and breathlessly watched the door- 
way. 

Through it came, in a moment, a jolly-faced man, 
with an informal manner and pleasant smile. 

‘‘ Hullo, girlies,” he said, ‘‘ what’s up ? Expecting 
a party.? Well, I won’t keep you a minute. 
Where’s Mr. Forbes?” 

“ Why, you’re the party, Mr. Coriell,” said Alicia, 

-C107> 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


stepping forward to greet him, and looking very 
coquettish as she smiled up into his face. 

‘‘ Oh, am I ! all right, have it your own way, kiddies. 
But I can’t give you more than ten minutes of my 
valuable time. What do you want.?^ Autographs? 
Or tickets for a box? Speak up, now.” 

“ Oh, no ! ” exclaimed Bernice, for Alicia was 
speechless with disappointment at this prosaic atti- 
tude on the part of the visitor. ‘‘We just want to 
— to talk to you.” 

‘'‘ You see,” said Dolly, frankly, “ we thought 
you’d be — different.” 

“ Oh, of course you did ! They always do ! 
You wanted to see the Lascar, not plain James 
Brown ! ” 

“ Wliat ! ” cried Alicia, hope rising in her breast 
that this was not the great actor after all, “ aren’t 
you Bayne Coriell? ” 

“ Sure ! That’s my stage name, but in private life 
I’m James Brown, at your service.” 

“ You don’t even look like the Lascar ! ” wailed 
Dotty, dismayed at the turn things had taken. 

“Of course, I don’t, little one. Actors on and 
off, are two different persons. Oh, I begin to see 
-C 108 > 


THE CALLER 


through this performance. Your uncle didn’t tell 
you anything about me! Eh.? ” 

No, sir,” said Dolly, as the others were silent. 
“We saw you in your, play, and we admired your 
work so much, that we — we — ” 

“ Oh, the matinee idol business ! Well, well I I 
didn’t expect that. Why, kiddies, outside the 
theatre, I’m just a plain United States citizen. I 
have a daughter about the age of you girls. My 
Muriel is fourteen, nearly fifteen, but she’s taller 
than any of you. Your uncle is a great friend of 
mine. He was my father’s chum, and he has been 
more than kind to me all my life. I supposed he 
knew all about the letter from Miss Alicia, and 
ran around here expecting to see you and him 
both.” 

“ That’s why he chuckled at us ! ” and Dolly’s eyes 
twinkled at the joke. Somehow, she seemed more at 
ease with the actor than the other girls. “ You see, 
Mr. Brown, we thought you’d be more like you are 
on the stage. Of course we didn’t expect you’d be 
dressed like the Lascar, or — or — made up, — isn’t 
that what you call it ? but we thought you’d be stagy 
and actory — 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


James Brown laughed. “ Everybody thinks that, 
or something like it,” he said. “Few people realise 
that an actor’s profession is merely a profession, — 
a business; and that we discard it out of business 
hours.” 

“ But don’t you get lots of notes from — from 
your audiences ? ” asked Dotty. 

‘‘ Indeed I do. My wife looks after ’em, and most 
of ’em go into the trash basket. But of course a 
note from Jefferson Forbes’ home was welcome, and 
I was glad to caU on his nieces. Are you all his 
nieces ? ” 

“ No,” said Alicia, who had recovered her poise, 
and she introduced the other girls by name. “ I 
wrote the note, because I thought you were — ” 

“ Because you thought I was a gay young sport,” 
laughed James Brown; “well, I’m sorry, for your 
sake, that I’m merely an uninteresting, middle- 
aged man, but, I doubt if your uncle would have let 
you send that note, if I had been a stranger to him. 
Take my advice, girls, for I know what I’m talking 
about, never write to an actor with whom you are 
not acquainted. It can never lead to any good re- 
sult and might lead to great harm.” 


THE CALLER 


‘‘Are they all bad? ” asked Dolly, innocently. 

“ No, indeed, far from it. But many of them are 
thoughtless; and, too, if a girl so far forgets the 
conventions as to write to a stranger, an actor often 
thinks he is justified in meeting her half way. And 
nice girls don’t write to men they don’t know. The 
fact that a man is an actor, is no more reason to 
treat him informally than if he were a broker or 
a merchant. It is the glamour of the stage that 
blinds you to the proprieties. That’s only natural, 
I know, and that’s why I’m presuming to give you 
this little talk for your own good. If ever you feel 
moved to make advances to a matinee idol, — don’t 
do it ! ” 

Alicia looked decidedly chagrined and a little 
angry, but Mr. Brown proceeded to talk of other 
matters, and though it was plain to be seen he meant 
the advice he had given them, all unpleasant effect 
was forgotten as he began to tell them some funny 
anecdotes. 

And then tea was brought in, and they all grouped 
round the teatable, still listening to his entertain- 
ing chat. 

The actor was a good-looking man, but far from 

•Clio 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


being as handsome as he appeared on the stage. His 
fascination and charm were evidently as much put on 
as his swarthy complexion and long black hair, which 
so became him as an East Indian. Really, his hair 
was ash-coloured, and he was rather bald. 

“ I expect to go on the stage,” observed Dolly, as 
they ate the cakes and bon-bons that accompanied the 
elaborate tea service. 

You do ! ” exclaimed the guest. “ Why ” 
Because I feel I have talent for it. Not so much 
as an actress, perhaps, but as a singer. What shall 
I do first, Mr. Brown, to prepare for the light opera 
stage ? ” 

James Brown looked at her kindly. ‘‘I see you 
are in earnest,” he said, in a serious tone, “ and so, 
I will treat your question practically. The first 
thing to do, is to finish your education, and then 
start on a course of voice training. By the time you 
have done these things, come to me again, and I will 
advise you further. Do you think me flippant ? ” he 
continued, as Dolly looked decidedly disappointed. 
“ I am telling you just the line to follow that I expect 
my own daughter to pursue. Muriel has promise of 
a good singing voice. I assume you have that hope 


THE CALLER 


also, otherwise jou wouldn’t think of a stage career. 
Tell your parents what I have told you, and if they 
care to consult me on the subject I shall be more 
than glad to meet them.” 

“ Good gracious ! What a come down ! ” cried 
Dotty. “We thought of course Doll could start 
in in the chorus at most any time, and work up.” 

“ That has been done successfully,” and Mr. Brown 
smiled, “ about one time in ten thousand. My plan 
is surer and better in every way.” 

“ Is that the way Miss Marie Desmond learned ” 
asked Dolly, wistfully. 

“ Yes, my child. Miss Desmond worked long and 
faithfully before she attained her present position. 
If you’d care to meet her and have a little talk with 
her, I can arrange it. Suppose you all come to my 
house some afternoon, and Muriel will make a little 
party for you, and I’m sure I can persuade Miss Des- 
mond to meet you for a few minutes at least. She is 
not a lady easy of access, I can tell you, but she will 
meet friends of mine.” 

“ Well, well, Jim, hobnobbing with young people, 
are you.^” sang out a hearty voice from the hall, 
and Uncle Jeff came stalking into the room. “ Glad 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


to see jou, my boy. You seem to be getting on 
famously.” 

“ Yes, indeed. Your nieces and their friends are 
the most charming bunch of young people I’ve seen in 
a long time. We’re discussing all sorts of matters of 
interest. J oin us in a cup of tea, won’t you ? ” 

‘‘ That’s what I’m here for,” and Uncle Jeff took 
a seat among the group. “ Yes, thank you, Alicia, 
fix me up a cup. Sugar, please, but no lemon. 
How’s your wife, Jim? Muriel all right? ” 

“ Yes, thank you. I’m just asking these girls to 
come round, say to-morrow, for a little party. Or 
would you rather have a box party at the the- 
atre? ” 

The girls decided in favour of the afternoon party 
at Mr. Brown’s home, and the matter was settled. 
And then, somehow, the two men fell into conversa- 
tion, which in no way interested the girls, being about 
political matters and business affairs. Indeed, their 
very presence seemed to be forgotten by the gentle- 
men. Absent-mindedly Uncle Jeff accepted a second 
cup of tea, and then a third, still arguing a point of 
finance with his guest. 

Alicia, in high dudgeon, made a motion to the 


THE CALLER . 


others that they leave the room, and Dolly nodded 
assent. 

So, noiselessly, the four rose from their seats, and 
stole out into the hall. Mr. Brown looked up, saw 
them go, and waved his hand with a smile of farewell, 
but Uncle Jeff paid no attention, if indeed, he noticed 
their departure. 

“Well! of all things!” exclaimed Alicia, as they 
sought refuge in the library, which was in the rear 
of the house. “ I call that positively insulting ! ” 

“ Now, ’Licia,” and Dotty laughed, “ you know 
the man said he could only give us ten minutes of his 
time, and he gave us more than a half hour. I don’t 
think we’ve any reason to complain.” 

“ Well, I do ! It was a perfect fizzle, the whole 
thing! I’m utterly disgusted! Matinee idol! 
Pooh, he’s just an every-day man ! ” 

“ Well, that’s just what he said he was,” rejoined 
Bernice, who was almost as much disappointed as 
Alicia. “ But he was very kind and pleasant, I 
think.” 

“ Oh, kind enough,” and Alicia still pouted ; “ but 
I thought he would be young and — and sporty, you 
know.” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

“ He certainly isn’t sporty ! whatever he is,” said 
Dolly. ‘‘ I think he’s awfully nice. I’m glad we’re 
going to his daughter’s party. It’s fine to go to a 
place like that.” 

‘‘ She’s just a little girl,” complained Alicia. 
‘‘ Fourteen years old ! I don’t want to go to an 
infant class ! ” 

‘‘All right,” put in Bernice, “ you can stay home 
then. I’m delighted to go. To think of telling the 
girls at home that we went to Bayne Coriell’s daugh- 
ter’s party ! My, won’t they think we’re grand ! ” 

“ That’s so,” agreed Alicia. “ Not everybody 
could get such an invitation. We couldn’t, only that 
he’s Uncle Jeff’s friend. But I can tell you, girls, 
if I hadn’t got up this whole scheme we wouldn’t 
have been asked there. You can thank me for it.” 

“ Dolly, too,” said Dotty. “ If she hadn’t asked 
Mrs. Berry, he wouldn’t have come at all.” 

“ Yes, he would ; why wouldn’t he? ” 

“ Oh, pshaw !‘ It was all made up by Uncle Jeff. 
You could see that. Mrs. Berry told him, and he 
let us go ahead, just to have a joke on us. Mr. 
Brown came mostly to see Mr. Forbes, — not us.” 

“ You’re right, you little smarty-cat,” and Alicia 


THE CALLER 


smiled at the astute Dotty. ^‘And I do believe 
Uncle JelF meant to give us a lesson about writing to 
actors. I thought it was queer he took it so easily, 
— and Mrs. Berry too. They played right into our 
hands. They wouldn’t have done that if the actor 
person had been a stranger.” 

Of course they wouldn’t,” , and Dotty wagged 
her head. I felt sure there was some reason why 
Mrs. Berry said yes to Doll so easily. But I didn’t 
think Coriell Bayne, or whatever his name is, was 
old enough to be Uncle Forbes’ chum.” 

‘‘ He isn’t exactly,” said Dolly ; “ that is, he said 
his father and Mr. Forbes were friends. I suppose 
the son carried on the friendship.” 

He looks as old as my father, — off the stage,” 
said Bernice ; but on it, he might be my father’s 
son ! ” 

“You can’t tell a thing about actors!” declared 
Alicia. “If ever I think another one is handsome 
and fascinating. I’ll remember James Bayne, and 
know he’s nothing but an old fogy ! ” 

“ Oh, I don’t call Mr. Brown an old fogy,” de- 
fended Dotty. “ I think he’s interesting and pleas- 
ant;* just about like my father, or yours, Doll.” 

< 117 ^ 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ He’s not a bit like our fathers, though he 
doesn’t look much younger. Anyway, I’m glad I’ve 
met him, but he did give me a setback about my 
career.” 

“ Is that a real stunt, Dolly.? ” and Alicia looked 
at her curiously. “ Do you really want to go on 
the stage.? It doesn’t seem like you.” 

‘‘ Yes, I do, or at least, I did, until Mr. Brown 
said what he did. I don’t know as I want to devote 
my whole life to getting ready for a stage career. 
I’m going to think it over and see about it.” 

“You funny little thing! I hope you’ll decide to 
do it, and in about ten or twenty years, when I’m an 
old married woman. I’ll come to your first per- 
formance.” 

“Whose performance.? Who’s stage struck?” 
asked Uncle Jeff, walking in at the door. He had 
a way of appearing unexpectedl3\ 

“ Dolly,” answered Alicia. “ She wants to be a 
prima donna.” 

“ Bless my soul ! ” exclaimed the old man, “ why, 
one reason I had Jim Brown here to-day, was to 
knock such foolishness out of your heads.” 

“ And he did his part all right, Uncle Forbes,” 


THE CALLER 


said Dolly, looking serious, “ but I don’t quite take 
the knocking. At least, I haven’t decided what I’ll 
do about it.” 

“ Oho, you haven’t, haven’t you ? ” and the old 
man raised his shaggy eyebrows. “ Well, Alicia, how 
did you like your handsome, fascinating, young 
man ? ” 

Alicia had quite recovered her good humour, and 
she replied, laughingly, “ Oh, except that he isn’t 
very young or handsome or fa'scinating, I liked him 
pretty well.” 

“ You’re a good girl,” pronounced her uncle. “ I 
thought maybe you’d resent the little trick I played 
on you. But when you raved over the handsome 
hero, and the Greek god effects of him, I couldn’t re- 
frain from showing you how deceitful appearances 
may be. Jim’s a fine chap, not at all a silly flirt, and 
his daughter is a lovely young girl, a little older than 
you girls — ” 

« Why, Uncle Jeff, Mr. Brown says she’s younger, 
he said Muriel is not yet fifteen.” 

“ Bless me ! is that so Well, he must know. But 
I can tell you, she seems as old or older than any 
of you. I suppose because she’s been brought up 
< 119 > 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


among stage people. But a mighty nice girl, all the 
same. And Mrs. Brown is a delightful woman. All 
nice people, I’m glad he asked you to his home. 
It’ll be a rare treat for you.” 

When is it to be, to-morrow ? ” asked Dotty. 

“ We don’t know yet. When Brown went away 
he said he’d consult his wife and daughter and tele- 
phone us about it. I fancy they’ll make quite an 
affair of it. See here, have you all proper frocks to 
wear.f* I don’t want my girls less well dressed than 
the others there. And I have a sneaking notion 
these are your best clothes.” Uncle Jeff’s eyes twin- 
kled as he glanced at their dresses. ‘‘ Anyway, I’d 
like to give each of you a new frock. Go to-morrow 
morning and get them.” 

And having given the order, Uncle Jeff stalked 
away. 


<noy 


CHAPTER IX 


FINE FEATHEES 

“TSN’T he the funniest and the very dearest old 
X thing in the world ! ” said Alicia, in a whisper, 
as Mr. Forbes disappeared. “ I’ve got loads of 
clothes, but I’m glad to have him give me a dress, 
for I’ll warrant it’ll be about the best money can 
buy.” 

‘‘ Let’s get the best New York can show us,” 
chimed in Bernice. 

‘‘ L can’t do it,” said Dolly, decidedly. My 
mother wouldn’t like me to accept a dress from Mr. 
Forbes.” 

‘‘ Oh, fiddlesticks, Dollyrinda ! ” said Dotty, it’s 
not charity. My mother wouldn’t let me either, 
ordinarily speaking, but this is different.” 

“ How is it different? ” 

“Why, Mr. Forbes doesn’t look on it as giving 
us clothes because we’re poor — ” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

“ He does so, Dot ! You can’t fool me ! He 
knows that Alicia and Bernie can afford grand 
clothes and we can’t, and so he gives us each a dress 
to make it easy for us to take them.” 

Now, Alicia privately thought this was just about 
the truth, but Bernice thought differently ; “ Rub- 
bish!” she cried. “Uncle Jeff doesn’t think any- 
thing of the sort I He’s so kind-hearted, he wants us 
all to have things nice, and he doesn’t even think 
about whether it would hurt our feelings or not. 
Why, Dolly, the price of a dress is no more to him, 
than a glass of soda water would be to us.” 

“ I know that’s so,” and Dolly’s blue eyes looked 
very troubled, “ but it isn’t nice to take clothing 
from anybody but your own people.” 

“ But Dolly,” argued Alicia, “ if you kick up a 
bobbery, and refuse to take this kind offer, then 
we’ll all have to do the same, and you deprive us all 
of the pretty presents.” 

“ Oh, Alicia, I’d be sorry to do that ! ” 

“ Well, that’s what it would amount to. Now, be 
sensible, and go with us to-morrow, and we’ll all get 
lovely dresses, and it will please Uncle Jeff. I know 
he’d be hurt and offended, if you refused, Dolly.” 


FINE FEATHERS 


‘‘ITl see about it; I’ll think it over,” and that 
was all Dolly would say about it then. 

But next morning, Mrs. Berry informed them that 
they were asked to an At Home at Mrs. Brown’s 
that afternoon, from four till seven, and she further 
said that of her knowledge, it would be an occasion 
where the nicest possible apparel would be required. 

“Gorgeous!” cried Alicia; “Uncle Jeff told us 
yesterday, we could get new frocks as presents from 
him. We can get them at Follansbee’s, and if they 
need alteration, they’ll do it for us at once, as the 
case is so especial.” 

Dolly’s objections were overruled, even Mrs. Berry 
siding with the other girls. 

“ Yes, indeed, Dolly,” she said ; “ you will spoil 
the pleasure of the others if you refuse to do as they 
do. And it would grieve Mr. Forbes if he thought 
you didn’t appreciate or accept his kind offer. Run 
along, girls, all of you, and get your hats and coats, 
the car will be here in a few minutes.” 

“ Won’t you go with us, Mrs. Berry,” asked 
DoRy, “ to help pick them out ? We don’t know 
about these things as well as some one who lives in 
the city.” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ No, dearies. But you won’t have any trouble. 
Just ask for Mrs. Baxter at Follansbee’s and her 
judgment will be the right thing. Be sure to take 
what she advises. She’ll know.” 

In gay spirits the quartette started off, Dolly 
joining in the general enthusiasm, for having decided 
to do as the others did, she had no wish to hesitate 
further. 

Mrs. Baxter was more than pleased to advise and 
suggest to Jefferson Forbes’ relatives, and she had 
her assistants bring out dozens of frocks for inspec- 
tion. 

At last, after much discussion and trying on, the 
four were selected and were promised for two o’clock 
that afternoon. What slight alterations were 
necessary could be done in that time, and there 
would be no doubt of prompt delivery. 

The dresses were absolutely unlike any the girls 
had ever owned before. They were all imported 
models, and though of finest materials, were simple 
in fabric and design. Yet they had an air and an 
effect never achieved by a village dressmaker or a 
department store. 

Dolly’s was of fine white net, frilled with delicate 


FINE FEATHERS 


lace, and adorned with, tiny rosebud garlands, and 
knots of pale blue velvet. 

Dotty’s, of apricot pink crepe, with hints of silver 
lace peeping through its chiffon draperies. Alicia’s 
was corn-coloured crepe de chine with cherry velvet 
decorations, and Bernice rejoiced in a white em- 
broidered net, made up over green silk. 

All had that indefinable charm which betokens the 
genius of a great modiste, and the girls were en- 
chanted with the wonderful robes. 

“ But what awful prices ! ” said Dolly, as they 
drove away from the shop. ‘‘ I’m sure mother will 
be displeased. I feel awfully about it.” 

“ Now, Doll,” said Dotty, sensibly, ‘‘ you can’t 
help it now. So don’t let it spoil your pleasure and 
ours too. When we get home you can tell your 
mother just how it was. I’ll tell her too, and I’m 
sure she’ll see that you couldn’t do anything else than 
get the frock, or kick up a terrible bobbery ! ” 

This was common sense, as Dotty’s remarks often 
were, so Dolly accepted the situation, and made the 
best of it. 

And that afternoon, when they were all arrayed 
in the new frocks, and presented themselves to Uncle 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


JelF for inspaction, his approval was so hearty, that 
Dolly was very glad she hadn’t put a damper on 
the whole thing by remaining obstinate. 

You are visions of beauty,” he declared, as he 
looked at each in turn. “ Madame Who-ever-it-was, 
turned you out remarkably well. I don’t know much 
about feminine millinery, but I’ve a general idea of 
the fitness of things. And I’ll bet a thousand dol- 
lars that these affairs are in better taste than the 
rigs you had on yesterday, though those were far 
gayer.” 

‘‘ You do know a lot about it. Uncle,” said Bernice. 
“ These are way ahead of our best dresses, but it’s 
because they came from a high class shop. And 
when you get the bill you’ll open your eyes ! ” 

“ That’s all right, Bemie. I’m an old bachelor, 
you know, and never before have I had the privilege 
of buying dresses for anybody. I’m downright glad 
if you girls are pleased with these, and I’m downright 
proud of the little cavalcade setting forth from my 
house.” 

The courteous old gentleman made a profound 
bow and the girls curtseyed in response. Then off 
they went to the party. 


FINE FEATHERS 


As Mrs. Berry had foretold, fine clothes were the 
order of the day at the Brown house. Everything 
was as formal as a grown-up affair. The girls were 
ushered to a dressing-room to take off their wraps, 
and then at the drawing-room door, their names were 
announced by an imposing-looking personage in liv- 
ery, and they were swept along into the room, by the 
crush of others behind them. 

Mrs. Brown and her daughter were receiving, and 
they greeted each arrival with gay banter and 
smiles. 

‘‘ Ah, my dears, how do you do ? ” said Mrs. Brown 
to our girls. ‘‘ I am so glad to welcome Mr. Forbes’ 
young people. Muriel, dear, these are the girls 
daddy told you about last night. ’Member ? ” 

’Course I do. Aw’fly jolly to have you here. 
Sweet of you to come. Wish I could chin-chin more, 
but I’ll see you after the rush is over.” 

They passed in line, saying scarce a word be- 
yond a mere greeting, and following the example of 
their predecessors they took seats in what seemed 
to be a large auditorium. A curtained stage faced 
them, and they looked about at the fast gathering 
audience. It was a merry crowd of young people all 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


laughing and chattering, and all arrayed in beauti- 
ful clothes after the order of those the girls wore 
themselves. There were many boys present, too, 
and they moved easily about, joking with their 
friends here and there. Presently two boys drifted 
toward our quartette, and one of them said, “ What’ll 
be the show, do you know.? ” 

“ No,” said Dotty, her black eyes dancing with 
the excitement of the scene; what do you guess.? ” 
“ Dunno. Last time they had minstrels, and the 
time before, a magicker.” 

“ Legerdemain .? ” 

“ Yes ; rabbits out of hats, and that sort. Can’t 
we sit here.? Engaged.? ” 

“ No,” and Dotty smiled as she looked toward the 
other girls for their consent. 

“ Oh, let us stay,” said the other boy, in a whee- 
dling voice. “ We’ll be awfully good, — so good you 
won’t know us.” 

“ We don’t know you, anyway,” laughed Alicia, 
and the first boy responded, “ Sure enough. Roof’s 
the introduction, you know, but I’ll add that this 
marvellously handsome companion of mine is one 


FINE FEATHERS 


Geordie Knapp, and I’m Ted Hosmer, very much at 
your service.” 

“Well,” said Alicia, “we’re Miss Forbes, Miss 
Fay re. Miss Rose and Miss Steele. Shall I tell you 
which is which, or let you guess. ^ ” 

“ Let us Sherlock it out ! ” exclaimed Geordie 
Knapp. “ I know you’re Miss Steele because you 
mentioned yourself last.” 

“ Right ! ” and Dotty clapped her hands in ad- 
miration of his quickness. “Now, which am I?” 

“ Rosy Posy ! ” declared Ted Hosmer, little think- 
ing he had guessed correctly, but saying so because 
of Dotty’s pink cheeks. 

“Yes, sir! you are a Sherlock Holmes. Now 
which is Miss Forbes ” 

“ I’m not going to guess any more, I’U spoil my 
record,” and Ted looked uncertainly from Dolly to 
Bernice. “ But as you two are named Forbes and 
Fayre, I’ll call you both Miss F., and so be sure of 
you.” 

And then the curtain began to rise, and the young 
people became silent. 

The entertainment was very amusing, being en- 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


fcirely in pantomime, and performed by exceedingly 
clever actors. 

The story depicted was funny, and the antics of 
the performers were novel and humorous, and the 
room resounded with laughter from the appreciative 
audience. There were about a hundred young peo- 
ple present yet the large room was only partly filled. 
Dolly concluded, as she looked about, that it was 
a sort of small theatre where Mr. Brown rehearsed 
his own plays. In this she was partly right, al- 
though it had been built more for entertainment of 
the actor’s guests. James Brown, or Bayne Coriell, 
as he was more often called, stood very high in his 
profession, and had hosts of friends and acquaint- 
ances. His wife was popular, too, and Muriel was 
just beginning to take her place in .society. 

After the pantomime was over, two celebrated 
dancers gave an exhibition of their skill, and then 
Miss Marie Desmond appeared and sang two of her 
songs from “ The Lass and the Lascar.” 

Dolly was enthralled. She sat, listening to every 
note, and admiring the graceful manner and deport- 
ment of Miss Desmond as well as enjoying her music. 

Well, you seemed to care for that. Miss F.,” 

-ciso:}- 


FINE FEATHERS 


said Ted Hosmer. “ You didn’t move an eyelash 
while Marie was on ! ” 

“ Oh, I did enjoy it! ” and Dolly’s eyes shone with 
delight. “ Isn’t she a splendid singer ! ” 

“Top notch! I like her lots. Hello, here’s our 
charming hostess.” 

The programme was over now, and Muriel Brown 
sought out the Forbes party to invite them to the 
refreshment room. 

“ I feel that I know you,” she laughed, “ from 
Dad’s description. He says the fair girl is Miss 
Fayre, and the rosy girl. Miss Rose.” 

“Oh, that’s it, is it?” cried Ted; “then this is 
Miss Forbes, and now all the problems are solved ! ” 
He looked at Bernice, who acknowledged the fact, 
and then Muriel was pounced upon by a rush of 
young people, and literally carried away. 

“ Great girl, Muriel,” said young Hosmer. 
“ Never saw such a favourite. I say, mayn’t we 
take you girls to the supper room? Or don’t you 
eat ? ” 

“ Indeed we do,” said Alicia, laughing, “ but I 
may as well own up I’m so interested in looking about 
me, I’m not conscious of hunger.” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Well, come ahead to the dining-room, and you 
can eat and look about at the same time. I’ll corral 
a couple more henchmen to help in your services and 
we’ll flock by ourselves.” 

Geordie whistled to a couple of his chums, whom 
he presented as Marly Turner and Sam Graves. 

“ Now,” went on Geordie, who was a born man- 
ager, ‘‘ we’re eight of us, — that’s enough for a table 
to our own selves. Nail one, Samivel.” 

The way to the dining-room lay through a crush 
of guests, every one, it seemed, headed in a different 
direction. 

“ Why don’t they all go one way ? ” asked Dotty. 

“ Few of ’em eat,” replied Ted. “ Most of ’em 
going on. But the food’s always fine here, and any- 
way you girls want to see the dining-room if you’ve 
never been here before. It’s a whole show.” 

It was. The splendid great room, with vaulted 
ceiling, represented an old English hall. There was 
a raised platform across the end and a gallery on 
either side. Fine paintings and tapestries adorned 
the walls, and a multitude of small tables offered 
places for all who chose to sit at them. 

“ Here we are,” and the boys decided on a table 


FINE FEATHERS 


in a desirable position, from which the girls could 
see the gay scene. Now for some supper.” 

Obsequious waiters appeared and soon the party 
was served with viands fit for a king. 

“ Told you so,” said Ted. ‘‘ Trust the Coriell 
bunch to give you eats worth-while. Oh, I guess 
yes ! ” 

“But it’s getting so late,” sighed Dolly, as she 
caught sight of an old English clock that hung near 
by. “ And Mr. Brown promised me I could speak 
to Miss Desmond. I’m afraid she’ll be gone.” 

“ ’Fraid she’s gone now,” said Ted. “ But I’ll flee 
and discover.” 

He left them and threaded his way among the 
crowd. 

“ Here we are ! ” he cried gaily, as he returned, 
bringing the lady in question. “ Just caught her on 
the fly. Trust little Teddums to get you what you 
want. Miss Fair Dolly.” 

Marie Desmond greeted the girls as Ted named 
them. 

“You lovely kiddies!” she cried. “What a de- 
lectable bunch ! I could eat you all up. And your 
frocks! Paris! I know; you needn’t tell Are 

Cissy 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


you all sisters? Oh, no, I remember now; you have 
variegated names. Which one of you wanted to talk 
to me? I’ve a whole minute to spare! Never say 
Vm not a lady of leisure 1 ” 

‘‘ I’m the one,” said Dolly, her eyes fixed on the 
lovely, laughing face of the actress. “ But a m.in- 
ute is no good, thank you. I want to talk to you 
about a whole day ! ” 

Oh, I do ' wish we could manage it,” and Miss 
Desmond appeared to think that was the one thing 
on earth she desired. But Dolly noted her wander- 
ing attention, and was not surprised when she left 
them as suddenly as she had come, and with a fleet- 
ing, smiling good-bye. 

“ Oh, isn’t she exquisite ! ” breathed Dolly, her eyes 
on the disappearing figure. 

“ You bet she is ! ” assented Marly Turner. “ And 
it’s a wonder she took a step out of her way to speak 
to us kids. But friends of Coriell, — of course.” 

“ Is she so very busy ? ” asked Dolly her eyes wide 
with interest. 

“Well, she’s a society belle as well as a popular 
actress. So, I s’pose, she has more or less on all the 
time. There’s no time for much of anything in New 


FINE FEATHERS 


York. I say, can’t us fellows come to see you girls? 
When? Where? ” 

‘‘ I don’t know,” said Dolly, mindful of the Coriell 
episode. I’m not going to say yes till I know 
what’s right. I’ll ask Uncle Forbes.” 

“ Do. Here’s a telephone call that’ll reach us. 
Let us come soon.” And then Mrs. Brown ap- 
peared, spoke a few words to the girls, and the boys 
with them, and in a moment everybody was going 
home. Our girls followed the example set them, said 
their good-byes, went to the cloak-room for their 
wraps, and bade the footman at the door call the 
Forbes car. 




CHAPTER X 


A SKATING PARTY 

T hat evening, in the drawing-room, Mr. Forbes 
questioned the girls rather closely as to their 
enjoyment of the party at the Browns’. 

I liked it,” said Dolly, “ but it was queer, — 
that’s what it was, — queer. The idea of just see- 
ing a performance on the stage, and then rushing 
through a very fancy supper, and then scooting for 
home as if the house was on fire! — that’s not my 
idea of a party ! ” 

Uncle Jeff laughed. “ And you. Dotty,” he said, 
“ how did it strike you ? ” 

I adored it I Everybody was so gay and 
smartly dressed and quick-spoken, — I do like to 
hear people say things fast.” 

“ How queer you are ! ” exclaimed Bernice ; “ why 
do you like to hear people talk fast ? ” 

“ Not talk fast exactly, but say things suddenly, 
funny things, I mean.” 


A SKATING PARTY 


“I understand,” said Mr. Forbes; ‘‘you mean 
bright at repartee and quick-witted.” 

“Yes, sir, that’s just what I do mean. And 
everything was so well planned and well arranged, — 
oh, I enjoyed every minute of it.” 

“ Well, I didn’t,” said Bernice. “ I’d rather go to 
a regular party, where they play games and dance 
and act sociable.” 

“ Why, the people were sociable enough,” put in 
Alicia. “ I’m like Dot, I thought it was lovely I 
Muriel is as pretty as a picture — ” 

“ She scarcely said three words to us ! ” com- 
plained Bernice. 

“ She couldn’t help that. There were so many 
guests, that she hadn’t time to more than speak a 
minute or two with each one of them.” 

“ I like Berwick parties better,” persisted Bernice. 
“ There we all know each other — ” 

“ But, Bernie,” said Dolly, laughing, “ all the peo- 
ple at this party knew each other, — nearly. We 
were strangers, of course, but the rest seemed to be 
well acquainted with Muriel.” 

“ And I thought the party was to be for us,” went 
on Bernice, “ and I thought we’d be introduced to 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

everybody, and be — well, be somebody y you know.” 

“ Oho ! you wanted to be honoured and lionised ! ” 
and Uncle Jeff’s eyes twinkled. 

“ Not exactly. But I understood from Mr. 
Brown that the whole affair was gotten up for us, 
and so I think we ought to have been noticed more. 
Why, the boys just scraped acquaintance with us, 
and even had to ask our names ! ” 

“ That’s the way they do at large parties, Ber- 
nie,” said her uncle. “ You are supposed to talk to 
any of the other guests without introduction.” 

Well, it’s no sort of a way ! They were awfully 
nice boys, but I don’t suppose we’ll ever see them 
again.” 

“ Oh, yes, we will,” said Dolly. ‘‘ They asked to 
call on us, and I said I’d ask you. Uncle Forbes. 
Would it be all right ” 

“ Bless my soul, Dollj^ ! I don’t know. I’ve so 
little knowledge of etiquette for young people. Ask 
Mrs. Berry, whatever she says, you may do. Who 
are the boys.? Hosmer.? Knapp.? Oh, they’re all 
right. I know the families. But as to their calling, 
put it up to Mrs. Berry. And, by the way, how’d 
you girls like to have a party, a real one? ” 

•C138> 


A SKATING PARTY 


“ Like the one we went to to-day? ” asked Bernice, 
doubtfully. “ I don’t care much about it.” 

“ Well, have some other kind. There must be 
other ways of entertaining. What would you like, 
Bernice ? ” 

“ I’d like a little party, — but I suppose that would 
have to be formal, too.” 

“ Oh, gracious, you old hayseed ! ” exclaimed Ali- 
cia. “You go back to the country! I’d love to 
have a party. Uncle, the biggest and grandest there 
is ! Muriel Brown would invite the people for us, I’m 
sure. Oh, it would be just heavenly! We’d have 
an orchestra, and a midnight supper, and — oh, and 
everything ! ” 

“ Hold, on, my child, don’t go too fast ! We’ll 
only have what you all agree on. Come, two D’s, 
what do you say? ” ^ 

“ We oughtn’t to say,” laughed Dolly. “ It’s for 
your nieces to choose. And anyway. Dot and I like 
everything, and we’d enjoy any kind of a party — 
or no party at all.” 

“ You’ve a nice disposition,” said Mr. Forbes, 
looking at her. “ Don’t you ever lose your tem- 
per?” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


‘‘ She hasn’t any to lose ! ” Dotty answered for her. 
‘‘ In fact, she’s too awfully good-natured for any 
use! But she has other faults. She’s as stubborn 
as a perfectly good mule ! Aren’t you, Dollums ” 

‘‘ I s’pect I am,” and the golden head nodded. 
“ But only when I care enough to be stubborn. As 
to this party, I don’t care what sort it is, ’cause I 
know it will be lovely, anyway. That is, if we have 
it. But seems to me invitations for a big affair 
ought to be sent out several days in advance, and 
we’ll be going home the middle of next week.” 

“Why, you’ve only just got here!” said Mr. 
Forbes. 

“ Well, it’s Friday night now, and we came last 
Wednesday for a week. So, if we go home next 
Wednesday, that party would have to be in three or- 
four days, and that’s a short time.” 

“ Of course,” agreed Alicia. “We couldn’t give a 
big party on such short notice.” 

“ That’s easily arranged,” and Mr. Forbes 
laughed ; “ stay another week.” 

“ Oh, I couldn’t,” cried Dolly. “ My mother 
wouldn’t hear of such a thing. The other girls can, 
though.” 




A SKATING PARTY 


“ I wouldn’t if Doll didn’t,” declared Dotty. 
But Bernie and Alicia could stay.” 

“ So we could,” said Bernice. “ My father will let 
me stay as long as Uncle Jeff wants me.” 

“ I can stay, too,” said Alicia. “ But it’s lots 
more fun to have you other girls with us.” 

“ We’ll see about all that,” and Mr. Forbes dis- 
missed the subject. 

A footman came in to say that Miss Fayre was 
wanted on the telephone. 

‘‘ Oh ! ” cried Dolly, her face turning white, ‘‘ do 
you suppose anything’s wrong at home? Mother 
had a cold ; maybe it’s developed into pneumonia ! ” 

“ Nonsense, child ; don’t borrow trouble. Prob- 
ably it’s nothing of the sort.” 

‘‘Isn’t that Dolly all over?” said Alicia, after 
Dolly had left the room. “ She always thinks the 
worst there is to think ! ” 

“ Maybe she’s right,” said Dotty. “ Mrs. Fayre 
does have awful colds, — hark, I hear Dolly laughing ! 
It’s all right ! ” 

They all listened, and they heard Dolly say, 
“Oh, perfectly splendid! I’d just love it! — 
Thank you! — Yes, indeed! — I’m ’most sure — 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

oh, delightful! — Well, I’ll ask her — Fine! — 
Yes, yes, — just wait a minute, — I’ll ask her now — 
hold the wire.” 

Followed a whispered conversation, and the girls 
caught the sound of Mrs. Berry’s voice. 

Unable to restrain their curiosity longer, the three 
rushed out to the hall and saw Dolly, her hand over 
the transmitter, talking to Mrs. Berry. 

“What is it.? Tell us all!” cried Bernice, and 
Alicia crowded close to listen. 

“ Oh, girls,” and Dolly beamed at them, “ it’s the 
loveliest invitation! Marly Turner wants us to go 
to a skating party to-morrow afternoon at St. Val- 
entine’s rink! And Mrs. Berry says it will be all 
right for us to go. Yes,” she continued, speaking 
into the telephone. “ Yes, we can go. And we’re 
all most happy to accept. What time?” 

“ Four o’clock,” came the answer. “ Meet our 
crowd at the rink. So glad you can come.” 

“ So are we,” returned Dolly, “ and thank you, 
ever so much. Good-bye.” 

“ Good-bye,” said Turner, and Dolly hung up the 
receiver. 

“ Tell us more,” cried Alicia. “ What did you 


A SKATING PARTY 


hang up so soon for? Why didn’t you let us talk to 
him? What an old selfish you are! ” 

“ I couldn’t, Alicia,” and Dolly looked hurt. I 
knew from his manner and speech that he only 
wanted a ‘reply to his invitation, and I wasn’t ex- 
pected to say more.” 

“ But why did he ask for you? ” grumbled Alicia; 

why not for me? ” 

“ I don’t know, I’m sure,” and Dolly laughed ; ‘‘ he 
did, that’s all. Let’s go and tell Uncle Forbes 
about it.” 

“All right, girls; all right. Glad you’re going. 
H^ve a good time. Marly Turner? Yes, yes, son 
of the Bayard Turners. Nice boy. His crowd will 
be all right. Can you all skate? Did you bring 
your skates? If not, get some. Get whatever you 
want. Look as good as the rest. Good-night now. 
Good-night, all.” 

Abruptly, as usual, Mr. Forbes left the room, and 
as the girls were getting accustomed to his eccentri- 
cities they nodded their good-nights, and then began 
to plan for the skating party. 

Mrs. Berry appeared and helped them decide on 
certain details of costume and accessories. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


The two D’s had brought the pretty skating cos- 
tumes they had worn at the Berwick carnival, but as 
Bernice had been the queen that night, her white 
velvet gown was out of the question. Alicia, too, 
had no appropriate garb, so these two bought new 
dresses. 

The final result was four very becomingly attired 
girls who started merrily off on Saturday afternoon 
for the party at the rink. 

Four bunches of violets, with Marly Turner’s 
card, had come to the house, and each fair damsel 
wore one at her corsage. 

Dolly’s suit was of light blue cloth trimmed with 
silver fox, and Dotty’s was red cloth with dark fur. 

Bernice looked very handsome in white cloth, and 
Alicia had chosen emerald greeu. 

They were met at the rink by Marly and his 
chums, and at once introduced to the chaperon of the 
affair, who was Marly’s married sister. She didn’t 
look much older than the boy himself, but she greeted 
the girls with a charming hospitality and declared 
herself delighted to take them in charge. 

The other boys whom they had met at Muriel’s 
party were there, and Muriel was, too. She wel- 


A SKATING PARTY 


corned the four warmly, but as she was constantly 
in demand by other gay young friends, they had no 
chance for connected conversation with her. 

Indeed, connected conversation was not thought 
of, unless with one’s skating partner. 

“ You’re all right on runners,” commented Geor- 
die Knapp, as he skated with Dotty, ‘‘ You must be 
fond of it.” 

“ Oh, I am. I skate a lot at home ; that is, when 
there’s ice. We’re dependent on that, you see, as 
we haven’t an ice riiik in Berwick.” 

“ Berwick Small town 

“ Yes. ’Bout as big as a minute,” and Dotty 
laughed good-naturedly. 

“ That’s why you’re so up to the minute, then,” 
Geordie laughed back. ‘‘ Want to sit down and rest 
a bit ? ” 

“ All right. Let’s,” and they sat down for a few 
moments. 

“ There goes your chum, — with Ted Hosmer. 
She is your chum, isn’t she.!^ The Fair Dolly? ” 

“Dolly Fayre? Yes, indeed; we’re super-insep- 
arable.” 

“ That’s the way with Ted and me. We’re always 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


together. Funny, isn’t it, how you like one person 
better’n anybody else? ” 

“ Yes ; I couldn’t keep house without Dolly. And 
we do keep house ! ” and Dotty told her companion 
all about Treasure House and its delights. 

“Wow! That’s some stunt! A house like that! 
I’d like to see it.” 

“ Do. Some day next summer come out to Ber- 
wick and I’ll show it to you. We’ve great little old 
brothers, too. One apiece.” , 

“ Have you.^ I s’pose you can cut up larks in the 
country that you couldn’t here ? ” 

“ It’s awfully different.” Dotty sighed. “ I like 
the city better in lots of ways, but, altogether, I 
guess I’d rather live in Berwick.” 

“ What are you two confabbing about? ” sang out 
a voice, and Dolly, with Ted Hosmer, came glid- 
ing up and stopped in front of Dot and young 
Knapp. 

“ Settling the affairs of the nation,” said Geor- 
die ; “ also, it’s a case of ‘ change partners.’ ” He 
jumped up, took Dolly’s hands in his, and they 
swayed off across the ice, leaving Dotty and Ted to- 
gether. 




A SKATING PARTY 


“ Don’t mind him ; he’s crazy,” said Ted, as he 
dropped onto the seat beside Dotty. And any- 
way, we’re such chums we share our best friends with 
each other ! ” 

“ Glad you do ! I like to talk to different peo- 
ple — ” 

“I’m a different people; oh, I assure you I am. 
Please like to talk to me ! ” 

“ I do. Or, at least, I’m sure I shall. What 
shall we talk about ? ” 

“ Sports in general. What do you like best, next 
to skating ” 

Tennis, don’t you.^ ” 

“ Sure, if you do. But that’s mostly for summer. 
Come on, let’s skate round a couple of times, and 
then go for the tea place.” 

It was good fun skating with Ted, and, as Dolly 
told him, he reminded her a little of her friend. Tad 
Brown. 

“ Any kin of Muriel’s ? ” 

“No, a boy in Berwick. He has a twin brother. 
Tod.” 

“ Great names ! Tadpole and Toddlekins, in full, 
I suppose.” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ They are called those sometimes. Oh, Mrs. 
Graham is beckoning to us. We must go.” 

They joined Mrs. Graham, who was their chap- 
eron, and she marshalled her crowd of young people 
to the tea room. 

At last Muriel Brown found a chance to talk to 
our girls. 

“We seem like old friends,” she said, gaily. 
“ Isn’t the ice fine to-day ? Are you going to the 
dance to-night What.? Not invited.? That can 
easily be remedied. I say, Sam, don’t you want 
these four angel children at your party.? ” 

“ ’Deed I do ! ” and Sam Graves beamed broadly. 
“ I didn’t dare ask them myself, — meant to get you 
to do it. Coax ’em, Muriel. Make ’em say yes.” 

Alicia took it upon herself to accept this invita- 
tion, though Dolly insisted it would depend on Mrs. 
Berry’s sanction. 

“Who’s Mrs. Berry.?” asked Muriel. “Is she a 
dragon .? ” 

“No, indeed,” smiled Dotty; “she’s the dearest 
old, yes — sayer in the world ! ” 

“ Oh, she’ll let you come then. Tell the girls all 
about it, Sam,” and Muriel moved away. 


A SKATING PARTY 


She went off and left her ice cream untouched ! ” 
exclaimed Dotty. 

“ She’s always on the hop, — Muriel is,” said Sam. 
“ Now you girls come to-night, won’t you.^ It’s a 
small and early at my house. Mr. Forbes knows me, 
and I know your Mrs. Berry, too. Just tell her it’s 
little Sammy’s party, and she’ll send you flying 
over.” 

“ Tell us something about it,” said Dolly. “ Is it 
to be very grand We’re hazy on the subject of 
New York dances.” 

“ Can you dance ? ” 

Yes, though maybe not the very latest steps.” 

“ That’s all right, then. Put on a clean sash and 
come along. You won’t be wall flowers ! ” 

“ What time shall we come.? ” asked Bernice. 
‘‘ Tell me about the details ; I’m Mr. Forbe’s niece.” 

Bernice was always a little jealous if the D’s 
seemed to be consulted rather than herself or Alicia. 

‘‘ Oh, no details specially. All informal, you 
know. Come when you like, — nine, maybe, or half 
past. If you’re feeling conventional about it, my 
mother will call on you — by telephone — and ask 
you proper.” 


-C149:^ 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Oh, no, she needn’t do that,” and Bernice 
laughed at the idea. We’re only little girls. ' If 
Mrs, Berry says we can go, your invitation is 
enough.” 

“ Good work ! Be sure to come. Crazy to have 
you. ’Scuse me a minute, — there’s a girl I want to 
speak to.” 

Sam darted off, and another boy dropped into his 
vacated seat. It was this touch and go effect that 
Dotty liked, but to Dolly it seemed a whirling maze. 

And, indeed, almost before they knew it they were 
all whirled off home. 




CHAPTER XI 


THE COLLECTIONS 

O N Sunday, dinner was in the middle of the day, 
and directly after it was over Mr. Forbes led 
the four to the drawing-room, as was usual in the 
evening, and asked an account of the dance. 

“ It was lovely ! ” vouchsafed Dotty. 

Gorgeous ! ” agreed Bernice. 

‘‘ Perfectly all right,” Alicia averred. 

‘‘ Nice enough, but very grown uppish,” was Dol- 
ly’s verdict. 

“You stick to your taste for simpler parties?” 
said Mr. Forbes, looking kindly at Dolly. 

“ Yes, sir ; I guess I’m a country girl.” 

“Well, I’m not,” and Dotty’s black eyes flashed. 
“ I’d just as lief live in Berwick, to be sure; but I do 
love to visit in New York and see all the grand 
doings.” 

“ And was the party grand? ” 

“ Oh, it was, uncle,” said Alicia. “ It was small 
and it was early.” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“Pooh!” cried Dolly. “We came home at half 
past eleven. I don’t call that early 1 ” 

“ Early for a city party,” insisted Alicia, “ but it 
was an elaborate affair, after all, and what do you 
s’pose. Uncle Jeff? We had invitations to a lot of 
things, next week and the week after, too.” 

“ Well, you girls are real belles! ” 

“ They do seem to like us,” and Alicia looked very 
well self-satisfied. 

“ Which one of you do they like the best ? ” teased 
Uncle Jeff. 

“ Dotty,” said Alicia and Bernice together. 

“ Nothing of the sort ! ” declared Dotty, blushing 
rosy red. 

“ Who, then? ” and Mr. Forbes turned to her. 

“Why, I don’t know,” said Dotty, still embar- 
rassed. “ Dolly, I guess.” 

“ You know better. Dot,” and Dolly laughed at 
her. “ I think. Uncle Forbes, the most citified boys 
and girls like Bernie and Alicia best, and some of 
the others take to Dot and me.” 

Her honest blue eyes proved this was her true 
opinion, whatever the facts might be. 

“ Well, look here,” and Mr. Forbes’ eyes twinkled, 


THE COLLECTIONS 


I ask you two, Dotty and Dolly, which of my two 
nieces is a greater favourite? ” 

“ Why, how can we tell that, right before them 
both? ” cried Dolly, taking it as a joke. 

“ Yes, I want you to tell me, — right before them.” 
“ I don’t think there’s a bit of difference,” Dotty 
said, speaking seriously, and looking at the two 
girls. “ You see, everybody likes Bernie — and — 
they all like Alicia.” 

You’re a diplomat ! ” laughed the old man. 
“ Now, Dolly, see if you can beat that? ” 

Dolly liked being put on her mettle, and after a 
moment’s thought, when she pretended to study the 
girls, she said, “ They are both liked tremendously 
for themselves, — but more, because they are your 
nieces.” 

‘‘ Capital ! ” and Mr. Forbes rubbed his hands in 
glee. ‘‘ You’re a tactful young person, I do avow. 
Now, just for that you may ask anything of me you 
like, to the half of my kingdom.” 

I’ll ask,” said Dolly, quickly, “ before you have 
a chance to repent of that offer. This is what I 
want : Let us go up and see your collections. May 
we?” 


<i5s:y 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


I s’pose so. Will you be good little girls, and 
not finger the exhibits, except such as I say you 
may ? ” 

“ Of course we will. We’re not mischievous little 
kiddies! Oh, are you really going to let us see it! 
When.? ” 

“ Now. May as well get it over, I suppose. 
March!” 

He led the way, and the girls trooped after him, 
up to the fourth floor of the house. 

The rooms corresponded to those below stairs, but 
all were arranged as a museum. There were enor- 
mous cases filled with specimens of every sort of bird, 
butterfly or insect. Or, if not every kind was rep- 
resented, surely they were nearly all there, so multi- 
tudinous were the exhibits. 

“ What a lot ! ” exclaimed Dolly. I had no idea 
it was such an enormous collection.” 

Yes,” said Mr. Forbes, with justifiable pride, “ it 
is the largest private collection that I know of. 
Come, let me show you the birds first.” 

Obediently the girls followed his directions, and 
with ever growing interest they saw the rows and 


THE COLLECTIONS 


rows of stuffed birds, of all sizes and of all varieties 
of plumage. 

Then came great cabinets filled with shallow 
drawers, each of which, when opened, displayed tiny 
moths, queer flies, and microscopic insects,' each dain- 
tily mounted on its own pin and all standing in trim 
rows. 

The butterflies were the prettiest exhibit of all. 
These showed rare varieties and well-known ones; 
specimens from far distant countries and from their 
own state. 

All the girls were interested, but Dolly was 
absorbed. She walked from case to case, asking in- 
telligent questions, that Mr. Forbes was glad to an- 
swer. 

“ You ought to make natural history a special 
study,” he said to her. “ You seem so fond of it.” 

“ Oh, I am ! ” responded Dolly. “ I shall try to 
get mother to let me take it up specially next year. 
And here are the beetles! How wonderfully they 
are arranged, and what beautiful colours ! ” 

“ Yes, see the iridescent wings of this chap,” and 
Uncle Jeff pointed to a fine specimen. “ I don’t 
-C155> 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


wonder the old Egyptians loved this creature and 
carved their scarabs in its likeness, do you? ” 

“ No, indeed,” responded Dolly. “ And do you 
like old Egyptian things, too? So do I. I saw 
wonders in the Museum.” 

“ I have quite an antique collection, if you’re inter- 
ested.” 

“ If I’m interested ! Well, I just guess I am! ” 

The other girls enjoyed the exhibition, too, but 
not so much as Dolly, who was enthusiastic over it 
all. They had so far seen only the front rooms, but 
now Uncle Jeff conducted them to the room in the 
rear extension of the house, and as he unlocked the 
door he said, ‘‘ Here are my greatest treasures of 
all.” 

The girls went in, and Mr. Forbes rolled up the 
shades and let in the sunlight. 

My, but it’s close and stuffy ! ” exclaimed Ber- 
nice; ‘‘ mayn’t we have a window open, uncle? ” 

‘‘ Yes, indeed ; I believe in fresh air, but I keep 
this room closed so much of the time it does get 
stale.” 

Mr. Forbes threw open a window that faced the 

-C156> 


THE COLLECTIONS 


south, and as there was no wind blowing, the fresh 
winter air was balmy and pleasant. 

That’s better,” said Bernice, and she began to 
look at the treasures all about her. 

There were many tall cases, like book-cases, and 
on their shelves were ranged curios and valuables of 
all sorts. These proved more interesting to Dotty 
than the birds and butterflies. 

“Oh, look at the old jewellery!” she cried. 
“ Just like what we saw in the museum, Doll.” 

“ Yes, here are old Egyptian trinkets, — aren’t 
they. Uncle Forbes ? ” 

“ Yes, those are Egyptian and Abyssinian. This 
nose ring was worn by a lady in India some centuries 
before you girls were bom.” 

“ What is the oldest thing you have. Uncle.? ” 
asked Alicia. “ This jewellery.? ” 

“No; this is my oldest piece,” and Mr. Forbes 
took from a shelf an image of a cat. It was of 
dark brown material, and was dingy and roughened, 
as if by fire. 

“ This came from an old Egyptian tomb,” he said. 
“ You know they put all sorts of idols and charms in 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


the tombs of their dead. Then once in a while these 
things are exhumed, and in some instances sold by 
the Egyptian Museum authorities. I buy only what 
is guaranteed by them to be genuine. I have an 
agent, who has travelled in many countries to collect 
authentic antiquities for me. This cat dates from 
about 2000 b. c.” 

Gracious ! ” cried Dotty, “ and there’s been 
nearly two thousand years since b. c. That makes 
Mr. Cat about four thousand years old ! Some 
cat ! ” 

Well, a cat has nine lives anyway,” laughed 
Alicia, “ so it ought to be a long time dead.” 

“ That never was a live cat, was it ? ” asked Dolly. 

Oh, no. This was a bronze image, but fire and 
age have turned it to a mere brittle shell. If it 
were dropped to the floor it would break into a thou- 
sand pieces.” 

“ Oh, my ! take it ! ” exclaimed Dolly, who was 
holding the precious relic. “ I didn’t know it was so 
fragile.” 

Mr. Forbes took it carefully. ‘‘ That’s why I 
don’t often bring young people up here. They’re 
too heedless to appreciate the value of these old 


THE COLLECTIONS 


things. Yes, two centuries before the Christian Era, 
this piece of bric-a-brac, as we would call it, adorned 
the tomb of some Egyptian citizen. I have the 
guarantee, signed by the Egyptian Museum, And 
here is a fine specimen. This is in a better state of 
preservation. See, you can read the date on it 
clearly, 537 b. c.” 

Mr. Forbes took from a cabinet a small image of 
a mummy. It was of blue stone, somewhat chipped 
and worn, but preserving its shape and colour. On 
the back, in rude figures, but clearly discernible was 
the date to which he called their attention. 

“ Wonderful ! said Alicia. Their figures are 
much like ours, aren’t they.f* ” 

“ Yes, my child, the Arabic numerals are of an- 
cient usage. Think of the old hand that carved that 
date ! Long since mouldered to dust ! ” 

“ It gives me the creeps ! ” declared Bernice, “ and 
yet it fascinates me, too. Was this found in a 
tomb ? ” 

‘‘ Yes, or in a temple. Excavations in Egypt, 
latterly, produce so many of these things that it is 
not difficult to get them. But that’s pretty old, you 
see, — - half a century before Christ.” 

-C159> 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


‘‘ I wonder who was King of Egypt then,” said 
Dotty. “ I wish I could remember my history bet- 
ter. I learned about the Ptolemies and the other 
dynasties, but I get ’em all mixed up.” 

Although the others were eagerly examining the 
old mummy relic, Dolly stood looking at it thought- 
fully. 

“May I take it.?” she said, after the others had 
scrutinised it. 

Dolly handled it carefully, as she minutely ob- 
served it on every side. It was about six inches long 
and was a perfect little model of an Egyptian 
mummy. She gazed at the date deeply graven on 
the back, and then with a slight smile she handed it 
back to Mr. Forbes, saying, “ Very good, Eddie ! ” 

“ What ! What do you mean ? ” cried the old gen- 
tleman, glaring at her, and Alicia exclaimed, “ Why, 
Dolly Fayre! You rude little thing!” 

“ But what do you mean? ” persisted Mr. Forbes. 
“ Why do you call me Eddie ? ” 

“ Oh,” and Dolly laughed, “ that’s a slang phrase 
that people say when they see through a joke.” 

“ J oke, miss ! Are you making fun of my an- 
tiques ? Explain yourself ! ” 


THE COLLECTIONS 


“Yes, what do you mean, Dolly?” said Dotty, 
anxiously ; “ you can’t mean to insult Mr. 

Forbes.” 

“You goosies!” cried Dolly, “he’s fooling you. 
It’s a joke on us.” 

“ What is? What’s a joke? ” 

“This mummy,” and now Mr. Forbes had joined 
in Dolly’s laughter. 

“ You’re a cute one! ” he said. “ Not one person 
in a dozen catches on to that. Tell ’em, my dear. 
Oh, you are a smart one ! ” 

Mr. Forbes shook with glee, and Dolly held up the 
image to the mystified girls. 

Don’t you see, you blindies, the date 537 b. c. 
couldn’t have been put on in the year 537 b. c.? ” 

“ Why not ? ” asked Alicia, looking blank. 

“Why, at that time they didn’t know how many 
years it would be before Christ’s birth. Nobody 
dated anything b. c. until after the Christian Era 
had begun.” 

“ But why didn’t they ? ” and Bernice also looked 
bewildered. 

“ Think a minute, you sillies. Nobody knew the 
exact date of the year one until after the year one 

-C160 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

was here. In fact, I don’t think they began to count 
right away, anyhow. But certainly they didn’t 
know five hundred and thirty-seven years before ! ” 

‘‘ Oh, I see ! ” cried Bernice. All the b. c. years 
have been computed or dated since the a. d. years 
began.” 

Of course they have, and Mr. Forbes had the 
date carved on this mummy on purpose to fool peo- 
ple. Didn’t you ? ” 

Yes,” chuckled Mr. Forbes, “ and it has fooled 
lots of people older and wiser than you, little Dolly 
Fayre! I think you’re pretty smart to notice the 
fraud!” 

“ Oh, no. But it just happened to occur to me 
that I’d never seen a b. c. date marked before, and 
then I thought at once that it couldn’t be.” 

“ Pretty cute, all the same. You other girls didn’t 
see it.” 

‘‘ No, we didn’t,” admitted Dotty. “ I own up I 
was fooled. I never thought of the absurdity of the 
thing. Did you make up the joke.?^ ” 

“ No, I bought the mummy from a dealer who sold 
a few of them for the purpose of fun-making. It’s a 
pretty good joke.” 




THE COLLECTIONS 


It was, and though the girls felt a little chagrined 
at being taken in, they were generous enough to ap- 
preciate Dolly’s cleverness and be glad of it. 

A case of antique jewellery proved interesting to 
all. The queer ornaments worn by the ancients were 
admired and studied by the girls, and Mr. Forbes en- 
joyed telling of their histories. 

“ This earring,” he said, “ is perhaps the gem of 
the whole collection. It is Byzantine, and is of 
wonderfully delicate workmanship.” 

The filigree gold ornament, was a long and slender 
pendant, of intricate gold work and studded with 
tiny jewels. It was one of a pair of earrings, and 
they wondered where its mate might be, if indeed, 
it was yet in existence. 

It would make a fine lavalliere,” said Dolly, hold- 
ing it up against her chest, and glancing in a nearby 
mirror. See ! ” and she hooked the trinket into 
the lace at her throat, ‘‘ isn’t it becoming.? ” 

Very,” laughed Bernice, and turned to see what 
Dotty was now exclaiming over. 

It proved to be a bracelet, that legend said had 
been worn by Cleopatra, though Mr. Forbes frankly 
acknowledged he didn’t believe this. 

^ 163 > 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Let me take it by the light,” said Alicia, “ it’s 
getting dusk in here.” 

She took the bracelet to the open window, and ad- 
mired the beauty of its wrought gold. 

‘‘ Here, take it, Uncle JelF,” she said ; “ I declare 
I’m almost afraid to handle these valuable things for 
fear I should suddenly become a klep-what-do-you- 
call-it ? ” 

“ Kleptomaniac ? ” said her uncle, laughing. 
“ I’m not afraid, or I shouldn’t have brought you 
girls up here. I don’t mind admitting I have one 
friend, a wise old octogenarian, rich as Croesus, whom 
I wouldn’t trust up here alone! He’d steal a gem 
as quickly as a highway robber would 1 ” 

‘‘ How awful I ” said Bernice. ‘‘ Just because of 
his craze for antiques ? ” 

“ Yes. You know some people are carried quite 
out of themselves by a pet hobby. Well, girls, it is 
getting dusk. Let’s go downstairs, and have a little 
chat over what you’ve seen. I’d like to see how much 
you remember of what I’ve told you.” 

“ Shall I shut the window. Uncle Jeff.? ” asked 
Bernice. 




THE COLLECTIONS 


“ No, leave it open, A little air will do the room 
good. I’ll see to it later.” 

The girls left the room, Mr. Forbes followed, and 
locking the door, pocketed the key, and they all 
went downstairs. 




CHAPTER XII 


THE LOST JEWEL 


PLEASANT hour was spent in the library, 



aTm. as Mr. Forbes told the girls anecdotes con- 
nected with his treasures, and also catechised them 
on what they had learned from their afternoon in 
his museum. 

Dolly had taken the greatest interest in it, though 
Bernice soon proved that she had the best memory 
of them all, for she could tell dates and data that 
her uncle had informed them, and which the others 
more often forgot. 

“ I haven’t any memory,” sighed Dolly. “ But I 
do love to see these things and hear about them. 
It’s lots of work, isn’t it, to get them all properly 
catalogued and labelled.? ” 

“ Yes, it keeps Fenn pretty busy, and often I 
bring in an assistant for him. But Fenn is a clever 
chap, and a quick worker.” 

Their chat was interrupted by Geordie Knapp and 
Ted Hosmer, who came over to call on the girls. 


•C 166 > 


THE LOST JEWEL 


“ Come right in, boys, glad to see you,” was Mr. 
Forbes’ hearty greeting. “ I shouldn’t wonder if 
our young friends here would be glad too. They’ve 
spent the whole afternoon with my old fogy talk 
and I’ll warrant they’ll be glad of a change.” 

“ You stay with us. Uncle, and enjoy the change, 
too,” laughed Alicia, as Mr. Forbes was leaving the 
room. 

“ No, no; it doesn’t seem to occur to you that 7’d 
like a rest from a crowd of chatter-boxes ! ” His 
merry smile belied his words, and he went off leaving 
the young people together. 

Mrs. Berry looked in, and hospitably invited the 
boys to stay to supper, which they willingly agreed 
to do. 

Also, they stayed an hour or more after supper, 
and when at last they departed, the four girls re- 
mained in the library talking things over. 

To their surprise, Mr. Forbes came to the room, 
and without a word sat down facing the group. 
Something in his expression caused the girls to stop 
their laughter and chatter, for the old gentleman 
looked decidedly serious. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Well, my dears,” and he looked from one to an- 
other, ‘‘ have you had a pleasant day? ” 

“ Yes, indeed,” spoke up Alicia, and they all 
added words of assent. 

‘‘WeU, I haven’t,” said Mr. Forbes, and they 
looked up at him with a startled air. That is, I 
have just made a discovery that makes to-day one 
of the most unfortunate of my life.” 

‘‘What is it. Uncle? What is the matter?” 
Alicia spoke solicitously, as if she feared her uncle 
had become suddenly ill. 

“ I have met with a loss.” 

“ A loss ? ” queried Bernice. “ What have you 
lost? ” 

“ One of my dearest possessions. I went to my 
museum just now, to that rear room which we were 
in last, and I discovered that one of my valuable 
pieces of jewellery is gone.” 

The girls stared at him blankly, and at last, 
Bernice said, “ Which one? ” 

“ The Byzantine earring, the gold filigree piece.” 

“ Oh,’^ cried Alicia, “ that lovely piece ! Why, 
where can it be? ” 

“ I don’t know,” replied her uncle, slowly. “ I 

-C 168 :^ 


THE LOST JEWEL 


searched everywhere, and as I couldn’t find it, I came 
down here to ask if you girls had taken it as — as 
a joke on me.” 

“ No, indeed ! ” exclaimed Alicia. “ I’d scorn to 
do such a mean trick! None of us would think of 
such a thing, would we, girls ? ” 

“ No, indeed,” said they all, and then a silence 
fell. Where could the jewel be.?* As always, in mo- 
ments of excitement, Dolly turned very pale while 
Dotty fiushed furiously red. Alicia, sat, her big 
eyes staring with dismay and Bernice nervously 
picked at her handkerchief, 

“ Come now,” said Mr. Forbes, “ if any of you 
girls did take it, in jest, give it up, for it isn’t a 
funny joke at all.” 

“ Oh, we didn’t ! I’m sure none of us did I ” and 
Dolly almost wailed in her earnest denial. 

Of course, we didn’t 1 ” declared Dotty, angrily. 
“You ought to know we’re not that sort of girls! 
It must have been mislaid, or pushed behind some- 
thing that conceals it from view.” 

“Probably you’re right,” and Mr. Forbes looked 
at her intently. “ That’s probably the solution of 
its disappearance. I’ll have Fenn make search to- 

♦C169> 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

morrow. I’m sorry I bothered you about it. 
Good-night.” 

With his funny abruptness he left the room, and 
the girls sat looking at each other in amazement. 

“ Did you ever hear anything like that ! ” de- 
manded Dotty, furiously. “ The idea of thinking 
we would do such a thing! I hate practical jokes, 
unless among a lot of school chums. I wouldn’t 
think of playing a joke on a grown-up I ” 

“ Uncle Jeff hasn’t had much experience with 
young folks,” put in Alicia, by way of excuse for 
their host. ‘‘ You know he always lives alone, and 
he doesn’t know what girls would or wouldn’t do.” 

“ But how awful for that thing to be lost,” mused 
Bernice. ‘‘ Suppose it fell down behind a case, or 
somewhere, and he never finds it ! ” 

“ Oh, his secretary will find it,” said Dolly, hope- 
fully. “ It must be somewhere around. Don’t let’s 
talk about it. If we do, I shan’t sleep a wink all 
night I I never do, if I worry.” 

‘‘ I think it’s something to worry about,” said 
Alicia. “ It’s the worst blow Uncle Jeff could have. 
You know how he adores his treasures. Why, he’d 
rather lose everything from these downstairs floors. 


THE LOST JEWEL 


than one specimen out of those fourth story rooms. 
And that gold earring, of all things ! ” 

“ I tell you stop talking about it ! ” and Dolly 
clapped her hands over her ears. “ Please, humour 
me in this,” she added, smiling a little, “ truly, it 
will keep me awake, if I get to worrying over it.” 

“ All right, girls, let’s drop the subject. Also, 
let’s go to bed.” It was Alicia who spoke, and she 
seemed under great excitement. Her eyes were un- 
naturally bright, and her cheeks were pink, and she 
moved jerkily, as if nervous. 

So the four went up to their rooms, and saying 
good-night, they closed the door of communication 
between. 

‘‘ What’s the matter, Dollums ? ” asked Dotty, as 
she saw tears in the blue eyes. 

“ Nothing, Dot, only don’t talk about that gold 
thing, will you.'^ I just simply can’t stand it if 
you do ! ” 

‘‘ ’Course I won’t if you don’t want me to, only 
what do you s’pose did become of it.?^ ” 

‘‘ There you go ! I think you’re too mean for 
anything ! ” 

“ Oh, pshaw, I didn’t mean to. I forgot. All 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

right, no more talk ’bout that old rubbish. What 
shall us talk about ” 

“ Don’t talk at all. I’d rather go to sleep.” 

Go, then, old crossy ! But I s’pose you don’t 
mean to sleep in your clothes ! ” 

“ No,” and DoUy laughed a little. I know I’m 
an old bear, and a crosspatch, and everything hor- 
rid, — but I’m nervous. Dotty, I aw.” 

‘‘ I know it, old girl, but you’ll get over it. I be- 
lieve this city life is wearing you out ! I believe it’s 
time you went home.” 

‘‘ Oh, I think so, too. I wish we could go to- 
morrow ! ” 

“ Well, we can’t. What has got into you, Dolly- 
rinda ? I believe you’re homesick ! ” 

“ I am. Dotty ! I’d give anything to see mother 
now. I wish I was home in my own room.” 

“ You’ll be there soon enough. I s’pose we’ll go 
Wednesday.” 

“Wednesday! that seems ages off!” 

“ Why, Dollums, to-morrow, you can say Wednes- 
day is day after to-morrow! That’s what I always 
do if I want to hurry up the days. But I don’t 
want to hurry up our days in New York! No 


THE LOST JEWEL 


sir-ee! I love every one of ’em! I wish we could 
stay a month ! ” 

“ I don’t ! ” and then there were few more words 
said between the two that night. Soon they were in 
bed, and if Dolly lay awake, Dotty didn’t know it, 
for she fell asleep almost as soon as her dark curly 
head touched its pillow. 

Meantime in the next room, the other two were 
talking. 

“ I do hope Uncle Jeff will find his old jewel,” 
Bernice said, pettishly. “ We won’t have a bit more 
fun? if he doesn’t.” 

“ That’s so,” agreed Alicia, “ but he won’t find it.” 

‘‘ How do you know.^^ ” 

“ Oh, ’cause. It’s very likely fallen down some 
crack or somewhere that nobody’d think of looking. 
Why, once, a photograph was on our mantel, and it 
disappeared most mysteriously. And we never could 
find it. And after years, there was a new mantel- 
piece put in, and there was the picture! It had 
slipped down a narrow mite of a crack between the 
mantel-shelf and the wall back of it.” 

‘‘ Tell Uncle Jeff that to-morrow. Maybe it wiU 
help him to find the thing.” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ All right, I will. But of course, Mr. Fenn will 
look everywhere possible. I don’t believe anybody’ll 
ever find it.” 

“ Then Uncle will be cast down and upset all the 
rest of the time we’re here.” 

“ Well, I can’t help that. What do you suppose, 
Bernice, he asked us here for, anyway.? ” 

“ You ask me that a hundred dozen times a day, 
’Licia! I tell you I don’t know, but I think it was 
only a whim. You know how queer he is. He for- 
gets we’re in this house from one evening to the next. 
If to-day hadn’t been Sunday, we wouldn’t have 
seen him this afternoon. I wish we were going to 
stay another week.” 

“ So do I. But I don’t like to ask him outright, 
and he hasn’t said anything about it lately. The 
others couldn’t stay, anyway.” 

“ Oh, I don’t know. I think if they were invited 
their mothers would let them. And anyway, I’d 
rather stay without them, than to go home.” 

Yes, I would, too. Dot likes it better than 
Dolly.” 

“ Yes, Dolly’s homesick. Anybody can see that. 
But they like it when we go to places, and see sights.” 


THE LOST JEWEL 


“Who wouldn’t? We’re really having fairy-tale 
times, you know.” 

“ I know it. I shall hate to go back to school.” 

“ Well, I don’t hate to go home. I have good 
enough times in Berwick; but I’d like to stay here 
one week more. I think I’ll ask Uncle Jeff to let us, 
if he doesn’t ask us himself.” 

“ Wait till he finds his lost treasure. He’ll be 
pretty blue if he doesn’t get that back.” 

“ Yes, indeed he will. Let’s hope the Fenn man 
will spy it out. It must be in that room somewhere, 
you. know.” 

“ Of course it must. The secretary will find it. 
That’s what secretaries are for.” 

And then silence and sleep descended on that room 
also. 

Next morning, Mr. Forbes appeared at the break- 
fast table. This was the first time they had ever 
seen him in the morning and the girls greeted him 
cheerily. 

“ Very nice,” he said, affably, “ to come down and 
breakfast with a flock of fresh young rosebuds like 
you,” and he seemed so good-natured, that Alicia de- 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


cided he had taken his loss more easily than she had 
feared. 

But toward the end of the meal, Mr. Forbes made 
known the reason of his early appearance. 

“We can’t find that earring,” he said, suddenly. 
“ Mr. Fenn and I have been looking since six o’clock 
this morning. Now I’m going to ask you girls to 
help me. Will you all come up to the museum and 
hunt.? Your young eyes may discern it, where we 
older seekers have failed. At any rate, I’d like you 
to try.” 

The four expressed ready willingness, and they 
rose from the table and followed Uncle Jeff up the 
stairs to the rear room where the loss had oc- 
curred. 

The sun shone in at the southern windows, and 
flooded the room with brightness. It seemed impos- 
sible to overlook the treasure, and surely it must be 
found at once. 

A youngish man was there before them, and he was 
introduced as the secretary. Lewis Fenn was a 
grave looking, solemn-faced chap, who, it was evi- 
dent took seriously the responsibility of his position 
as tabulator and in part, custodian of valuable treas- 

•cn6> 


THE LOST JEWEL 


ures. He bowed to the girls, but said nothing be- 
yond a word of greeting to each. 

“ You see,” said Mr. Forbes, “ I locked this room 
myself, after you girls last evening, and nobody could 
get in to take the earring. Consequently, it would 
seem that a close search must be efficacious. So, let 
us all set to, and see what we can do in the way 
of discovery.” 

“ Let’s divide the room in four,” suggested Mr. 
Fenn, ‘‘ and one of you young ladies take each 
quarter.’^ 

Good idea ! ” commented Uncle J eff, and we’ll 
do just that. Alicia, you take this west end, ne:x:t 
the door ; Bernice, the east end, opposite ; Dotty, the 
north side, and Dolly, the south side. There, that 
fixes it. Now, to work, all of you. I’ve exhausted 
my powers of search, and so has Fenn.” 

The two men sat down in the middle of the room, 
while the girls eagerly began to search. They were 
told not to look in the cases, but merely on tables or 
any place around the room where the jewel might 
have fallen or been laid. 

“Who had it last.^ ” asked Mr. Fenn, as the girls 
searched here and there. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

Nobody seemed to know, exactly, and then Alicia 
said, suddenly, “ Why, don’t you know, Dolly hooked 
it onto the front of her dress, and said it would make 
a lovely pendant.” 

“ But I took it off,” said Dolly, turning white. 

“Where did you put it then.?” asked Mr. Fenn, 
not unkindly, but curiously. 

“ Let me see,” faltered Dolly, “ I don’t quite re- 
member. I guess I laid it on this table.” 

“ If so, it must be there now, my dear,” said Mr. 
Forbes, suavely. “ Look thoroughly.” 

Dolly did look thoroughly, and Dotty came over 
to help her, but the earring was not on the 
table. 

Nor was it on other tables that were about the 
room ; nor on any chair or shelf or settee or window- 
sill. 

“ Where can it be.? ” said Dotty, greatly alarmed, 
lest Dolly’s having fastened it to her dress should 
have been the means of losing it. 

“Are you sure you removed it from your frock. 
Miss Fayre?” asked Fenn, and at that moment 
Dolly took a dislike to the man. His voice was low 


THE LOST JEWEL 


and pleasant, but the inflection was meaning, and he 
seemed to imply that Dolly might have worn it from 
the room. 

“ Of course, I am,” Dolly replied, in a scared, low 
voice, which trembled as she spoke. 

“ There’s an idea,” said Mr. Forbes. ‘‘ Mightn’t 
you have left it hooked into your lace, Dolly, and it’s 
there still? Run and look, my dear.” 

“ I’ll go with you,” said Dotty, but Fenn said, 
“ No, Miss Rose, you’d better stay here.” 

Dotty was so astonished at his dictum that she 
stood still and stared at him. Dolly ran oflP to her 
room on the second floor and carefully examined the 
dress she had worn the day before. 

“ No,” she said, on her return, “ it isn’t on my 
dress. I knew it couldn’t be, — I should have seen 
it when I undressed. Besides, I know I took it off 
here, only a moment after I tried it on. I merely 
looked at it an instant, and then I unhooked it and 
laid it on this table.” 

But at first, you weren’t sure that you did place 
it on that table. Miss Fayre,” came the insinuating 
voice of Fenn once more. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

“ Yes, I did, I’m sure of it now,” and Dolly’s white 
face was drawn with anxiety. 

‘‘ Think again,” counselled the secretary. 
“ Maybe you took it off, and absent-mindedly slipped 
it in your pocket.” 




CHAPTER XIII 


SUSPICIONS 

D otty turned on Fenn like a little fury. 

“What do you mean?” she cried. “Are 
you accusing Dolly of stealing that thing? ” 

“ There, there,” said Mr. Forbes, placatingly. 
“ Of course, Fenn didn’t mean that. Not inten- 
tionally, that is. But without thinking, couldn’t — ” 
“No, she couldn’t!” stormed Dotty. “Dolly 
Fay re doesn’t go around pocketing people’s jewels 
unconsciously! She isn’t a kleptomaniac, or what- 
ever you call it ! She did exactly as she says she did. 
She laid that earring on that table.” 

“ Then why isn’t it there now ? ” asked Fenn. 

“ Because somebody else moved it. Oh, don’t ask 
me who. I don’t know who ! And I don’t care who ! 
But Dolly put it there, and whoever took it away 
from there can find it ! Perhaps you can, Mr. 
Fenn ! ” 

The secretary looked at the angry girl with an 
irritating smile. 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


‘‘ I wish I might, Miss Rose. But I’ve searched 
the room thoroughly, as you all have, too. It can’t 
be hercy you know.” 

“ I’ll tell you,” said Alicia, eagerly, and then she 
described how in her home a photograph had slipped 
down behind the mantel and had been lost for years. 

Let us see,” and Mr. Forbes went to the mantel 
in the room. But there was not the least mite of 
a crack between the shelf and the wall. Alicia’s sug- 
gestion was useless. 

‘‘ But,” she said, “ there might be that sort of a 
hiding-place somewhere else. Let’s look all over.” 

The girls tried hard to find some crack or crevice 
in any piece of furniture, into which the trinket 
might have slipped, but there was none. They felt 
down between backs and seats of chairs, looked be- 
hind cases of treasures, moved every book and paper 
that lay on the tables, even turned up the edges of 
rugs, and peeped under. 

‘‘ It doesn’t make any difference how much we 
look,” Dotty declared, ‘‘ we’ve just got to look more, 
— that’s all. Why, that earring is in this room, 
and that’s all there is about that! Now, it’s up to 
us to find it. You know, after you search all the 


SUSPICIONS 


possible places, you have to search the impossible 
ones.” 

“ I admire your perseverance,” said Mr. Forbes, 
“ but I can’t hope it will be rewarded. It isn’t as 
if we were hunting for a thing that somebody had 
purposely concealed, that would mean an exhaustive 
search. But we’re looking for something merely mis- 
laid or tossed aside, and if we find it, it will be in 
some exposed place, not cleverly hidden.” 

“ Oh, I don’t know. Uncle Jeff,” said Bernice, 
“ you know when Alicia’s photograph slipped behind 
the .mantel, that was deeply hidden, although not 
purposely.” 

“ Yes, that’s so,” and Uncle Jeff looked question- 
ingly from one girl to another. 

It was impossible to ignore the fact, that he deemed 
one of them responsible for the disappearance of the 
jewel, and until the matter was cleared up, all felt 
under suspicion. Fenn, too, was studying the four 
young faces, as if to detect signs of guilt in one of 
them. 

At last he said, “ Let us get at this systematically. 
Who took the earring first, when Mr. Forbes handed 
it out from the case.f^ ” 


<issy 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

“ I did,” said Dotty, promptly. “ I stood nearest 
to Mr. Forbes and he handed it to me. After I 
looked at it, I passed it to Alicia.” 

“ No, you didn’t,” contradicted Alicia. “ I didn’t 
touch it.” 

“ Why, yes, ’Licia,” Dotty persisted, “ you took 
it and said — ” 

“ I tell you I didn’t ! I never handled the things 
at aU! It was Bernice.” 

“ I did have it in my hands,” said Bernice, reflec- 
tively, “ but I can’t remember whether I took it from 
Dot or Alicia.” 

“ I didn’t touch it, I tell you ! ” and Alicia frowned 
angrily. 

‘‘ Oh, yes, you did,” said Dolly, “ it was you, 
Alicia, who passed it on to me. And I took it — ” 

“ You didn’t take it from me, Dolly,” and Alicia 
grew red with passion. “ I vow I never touched it ! 
You took it from Bernice.” 

No,” said Dolly, trying to think. ‘‘ I took it 
from you, and I held it up and asked you how it 
looked.” 

‘‘ No, Doll, you asked me that,” said Bernice, 
‘‘ and I said it was very becoming.” 


SUSPICIONS 


“ You girls seem decidedly mixed as to what you 
did,” said Mr. Fenn, with a slight laugh. ‘‘ I think 
you’re not trying to remember very clearly.” 

“ Hold on, Fenn,” said Mr. Forbes, reprovingly. 

It’s in the girls’ favour that they don’t remember 
clearly. If they tossed the thing aside carelessly, 
they naturally wouldn’t remember.” 

‘‘ But, Mr. Forbes,” and the secretary spoke ear- 
nestly, “ would these young ladies toss a valuable 
gem away carelessly They are not ignorant chil- 
dren. They all knew that the earring is a choice 
possession. I’m sure not one of them would toss it 
aside, unheeding where it might fall! ” 

This was perfectly true. None of the four girls 
could have been so heedless as that ! They had care- 
fully handled every gem or curio shown them, and 
then returned it to Mr. Forbes as a matter of 
course. 

Fenn’s speech was rather a facer. All had to ad- 
mit its truth, and the four girls looked from one to 
another and then at Mr. Forbes. He was studying 
them intently. 

Bernice and Dolly were crying. Alicia and Dotty 
were dry-eyed and angry-faced. If one of the four 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


had a secret sense of guilt, it was difficult to guess 
which one it might be, for all were in a state of 
excitement and were well-nigh hysterical. 

‘‘ Much as I regret it,” Mr. Forbes began, “ I am 
forced to the conclusion that one or more of you girls 
knows something of the present whereabouts of my 
lost jewel. I do not say I suspect any of you of 
wilful wrong-doing, it might be you had accidentally 
carried it off, and now feel embarrassed about re- 
turning it. I can’t — I won’t believe, that any of 
you deliberately took it with intent to keep it.” 

“ We thank you for that, Mr. Forbes,” and 
Dotty’s tone and the expression of her face denoted 
deepest sarcasm. “ It is a comfort to know that 
you do not call us thieves ! But, for my part, I think 
it is about as bad to accuse us of concealing knowl- 
edge of the matter. I think you’d better search our 
trunks and suitcases! And then, if you please, I 
should like to go home — ” 

“No doubt you would, Miss Rose I ” broke in 
Fenn’s cold voice. “ A search of your belongings 
would be useless. If one of you is concealing the 
jewel, it would not be found in any available place of 
search. You would have put it some place in the 


SUSPICIONS 


house, not easy of discovery. That would not be 
difficult.” 

“ Be quiet, Fenn,” said Mr. Forbes. Girls, I’m 
not prepared to say I think one of you has hidden 
the jewel, but I do think that some of you must know 
something about it. How can I think otherwise 
Now, tell me if it is so. I wiU not scold, — I will not 
even blame you, if you have been tempted, or if 
having accidentally carried it off, you are ashamed 
to own up. I’m not a harsh man. I only want the 
truth. You can’t be surprised at my conviction that 
you do know something of it. Why, here’s the case 
in a nutshell. I handed that earring to you, and 
I never received it back. What can I think but that 
you have it yet? It is valuable, to be sure, but the 
money worth of it is as nothing to the awfulness of 
the feeling that we have an untrustworthy person 
among us. Can it be either of my two nieces who has 
done this wrong? Can it be either of their two 
young friends? I don’t want to think so, but what 
alternative have I? And I must know! For rea- 
sons which I do not care to tell you, it is imperative 
that I shall discover who is at fault. I could let 
the whole matter drop, but there is a very strong 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


cause why I should not do so. I beg of you, my 
dear nieces, — my dear young friends, — I beseech 
you, tell me the truth, won’t you? ” 

Mr. Forbes spoke persuasively, and kindly. 

Alicia burst into a storm of tears and sobbed 
wildly. Bernice, her face hidden in her handkerchief, 
was crying too. 

Dotty sat stiffly erect in her chair, her little hands 
clenched, her big, black eyes staring at Mr. Forbes 
in a very concentration of wrath. 

Dolly was limp and exhausted from weeping. 
With quivering lips and in a shaking voice, she said : 

“ Maybe one of us is a kleptomaniac, then, after 
all.” 

Ah, a confession ! ” said Mr. Fenn, with his 
cynical little smile. ‘‘ Go on. Miss Fayre. Which 
one has the accumulating tendency? ” 

“You do make me so mad!” exclaimed Dotty, 
glaring at him. “ Uncle Forbes, can’t we talk with 
you alone ? ” 

“ Oh, no, little miss,” said Fenn, “ Mr. Forbes is 
far too easy-going to look after this affair by him- 
self! He’d swallow all the stories you girls would 
tell him! Fll remain, if you please. Unless you 
-C 188 > 


SUSPICIONS 


have something to conceal, you can’t object to my 
presence at this interesting confab.” 

Dolly came to Dotty’s aid. She looked at the 
secretary with a glance of supreme contempt. 

“ It is of no consequence, Mr. Fenn,” she said, 
haughtily, “ whether you are present or not. Uncle 
Forbes, I agree with Dotty. You said yourself, you 
have an acquaintance who can’t help taking treas- 
ures that are not his own. It may be that one of 
us has done this. But, even so, the jewel must be in 
the house. None of us has been out of the house 
since we were in this room yesterday afternoon. So, 
if it is in the house, it must be found.” 

Ha ! You have hidden it securely, to be willing 
to have a thorough search of the house made ! ” and 
Fenn looked unpleasantly at her. “ Own up. Miss 
Fayre; it will save a lot of trouble for the rest of 
us.” 

Dolly tried to look at the man with scorn, but her 
nerves gave way, and again she broke down and cried 
softly, but with great, convulsive sobs. 

Dotty was furious but she said nothing to Fenn 
for she knew she would only get the worst of 
it. 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Come now, Dolly,” said Mr. Forbes, in a gentle 
way, ‘‘ stop crying, my dear, and let’s talk this over. 
Where did you lay the earring when you took it from 
your dress ? ” 

“ On — on — the t-table,” stammered Dolly, try- 
ing to stop crying. But, as every one knows, it is 
not an easy thing to stem a flood of tears, and Dolly 
couldn’t speak clearly. 

‘‘ Yes ; what table? ” 

“ This one,” and Dotty spoke for her, and indi- 
cated the table by the south window. 

“Where, — on the table?” persisted Uncle JefF. 

Dolly got up and walked over to the light stand 
in question. 

“ About here, I think,” and she indicated a spot 
on the surface of the dull finished wood. 

“Why didn’t you hand it back to me?” queried 
Mr. Forbes, in a kind tone. 

“ I d-don’t know, sir,” Dolly sobbed again. “ I’m 
sure I don’t know why I didn’t.” 

“ I know,” put in Dotty. “ Because just then, 
Mr. Forbes showed us a bracelet that had belonged 
to Cleopatra, and we all crowded round to look at 
that, and Doll laid down the earring to take up the 


SUSPICIONS 


bracelet. We didn’t suppose we were going to be 
accused of stealing ! ” 

“ Tut, tut,” said Mr. Forbes. “ Nobody has used 
that word! I don’t accuse you of anything, — ex- 
cept carelessn'ess.” 

‘‘ But when it comes to valuable antiques,” inter- 
rupted Fenn, ‘‘ it is what is called criminal careless- 
ness.” 

“ It was careless of Dolly to lay the earring 
down,” said Mr. Forbes, “ but that is not the real 
point. After she laid it down, just where she showed 
us, on that small table, somebody must have picked 
it up. Her carelessness in laying it there might 
have resulted in its being brushed off on the floor, 
but not in its utter disappearance.” 

‘‘ Maybe it fell out of the window,” suggested 
Bernice, suddenly, ‘‘ that window was open then, 
you know.” 

Mr. Forbes walked over to the table. ‘‘ No,” he 
said, “ this stand is fully a foot from the window sill. 
It couldn’t have been unknowingly brushed as far 
as that.” 

“ Of course, it couldn’t,” said Fenn, impatiently. 
‘‘ You’re making no progress at all, Mr. Forbes.” - 
-C190 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Propose some plan, yourself, then,” said Dotty, 
shortly ; “ you’re so smart, suppose you point your 
finger to the thief ! ” 

“ I hope to do so. Miss Rose,” and Fenn smirked 
in a most aggravating way. “ But I hesitate to ac- 
cuse anyone before I am quite sure.” 

“ A wise hesitation ! ” retorted Dotty. “ Stick to 
that, Mr. Fenn!” 

She turned her back on him, and putting her arm 
round Dolly, sat in silent sympathy. 

Suddenly Bernice spoke. She was not crying now, 
on the contrary, she was composed and quiet. 

“ Uncle Jeff,” she said, “ this is a horrid thing 
that has happened. I feel awfully sorry about it 
all, but especially because it is making so much trou- 
ble for Dolly and Dotty, the two friends that I 
brought here. Alicia and I belong here, in a way, 
but the others are our guests, as well as your guests. 
It is up to us, to free them from all suspicion in this 
thing and that can only be done by finding the ear- 
ring. I don’t believe for one minute that any one of 
us four girls had a hand, knowingly, in its disap- 
pearance, but if one of us did, she must be shown 
up. I believe in fairness all round, and while I’m 
<i92:y 


SUSPICIONS 


sure the jewel slipped into some place, or under or 
behind something, yet if it didn't ,^ — if somebody did, 
— well, — steal it ! we must find out who. I wouldn’t 
be willing, even if you were. Uncle, to let the matter 
drop. I want to know the solution of the mystery, 
and I’m going to find it ! ” 

‘‘ Bravo ! Bernie, girl,” cried her uncle, “ that’s 
the talk! As I told you I must know the truth of 
this thing, — never mind why, I must find it out. 
But how.? ” 

“ First,” said Bernice, speaking very decidedly, 
bu*t not looking toward the other girls, “ I think all 
our things ought to be searched.” 

“ Oh, pshaw, Bernie,” said Alicia, “ that would be 
silly! You know if any of us wanted to hide that 
earring we wouldn’t put it in among our clothes.” 

‘‘Why not.?” demanded Bernice. “I can’t 
imagine any of us having it, but if we have, it’s by 
accident. Why, it might have caught in any of 
our dresses or sashes, and be tucked away there yet.” 

“ That’s so,” and Dotty looked hopeful. “ It 
could be, that as one of us passed by the table, it 
got caught in our clothing. Anyway, we’ll all look.” 

“ But don’t look in your own boxes,” objected 
-C193> 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


Fenn. “ Every girl must search another’s belong- 
ings.” 

“ I wonder you’d trust us to do that! ” snapped 
Dotty, and Fenn immediately replied: 

“You’re right! It wouldn’t be safe! I propose 
that Mrs. Berry search all your rooms.” 

“ Look here, Fenn, you are unduly suspicious,” 
Mr. Forbes remonstrated, mildly. 

“ But, sir, do you want to get back your gem, or 
not.'^ You asked for my advice and help in this 
matter, now I must beg to be allowed to carry out 
my plans of procedure.” 

It was plain to be seen that Mr. Forbes was under 
the thumb of his secretary. And this was true. 
Lewis Fenn had held his position for a long time, and 
his services were invaluable to Jefferson Forbes. It 
was necessary that the collector should have a re- 
liable, responsible and capable man to attend to the 
duties he required of a secretary, and these attri- 
butes Fenn fully possessed. But he was of a small, 
suspicious nature, and having decided on what course 
to pursue regarding the lost curio, he was not to be 
swerved from his path. 

“ Well, well, we will see,” Mr. Forbes said, an 


SUSPICIONS 


anxious look wrinkling his forehead as he looked at 
the girls. “ Run away now, it’s nearly luncheon 
time. Don’t worry over the thing. Each one of 
you knows her own heart. If you are innocent, 
you’ve no call to worry. If you are implicated, even 
in a small degree in the loss of my property, come 
to me and tell me so. See me alone, if you like. I 
will hear your confession, and if it seems wise, I will 
keep it confidential. I can’t promise this, for as I 
hinted, I have a very strong reason for probing this 
aflfair to the very core. It is a mystery that must 
be cleared up ! ” 


-C195> 


CHAPTER XIV 


AT THE TEA KOOM 


HE girls went to their rooms to tidy up for 



X luncheon, though there was some time before 
the meal would be announced. 

By common consent the door was closed between 
the rooms, and on one side of it the two D’s faced 
each other. 

“ Did you ever see such a perfectly horrid, hate- 
ful, contemptible old thing as that Fenn person ? ” 
exclaimed Dotty, her voice fairly shaken mth wrath. 

I can’t see how Mr. Forbes can bear to have him 
around ! He ought to be excommunicated, or what- 
ever they do to terrible people ! ” 

“ He is awful. Dotty, I don’t wonder you gave it 
to him? But you mustn’t do it. He’s Mr. Forbes’ 
right hand man, and whatever Uncle Jeff tells him 
to do, he’ll do it. The idea of searching our trunks ! 
I won’t allow them to touch mine, I can tell you 


that!” 




AT THE TEA ROOM 


Oh, Dolly, now don’t be stubborn. Why, for 
you to refuse to let them look over your things would 
be the same as saying you had the thing hidden.” 

“ Dorothy Rose ! What a thing to say to me ! ” 
“ I’m not saying it to you ! I mean, I am saying 
it to you, just to show you what other people would 
say! You know it, Dolly. You know Fenn would 
say you had the earring.” 

‘‘ But, Dotty, it must be somewhere.” 

Of course, it must be somewhere, — look here, 
Dollyrinda, you don’t know anything about it, do 
you.? Honest Injun? ” 

“ How you talk. Dot. How should I know any- 
thing about it? ” 

“ But do you? ” 

“ Don’t be silly.” 

But, do you ? ” 

‘‘ Dotty, I’ll get mad at you, if you just sit there 
saying, ‘ But do you? ’ like a talking machine! Are 
you going to change your dress for luncheon? ” 

“ No, I’m not. These frocks are good enough. 
But, Dolly, do you ? do you know anything, anythmg 
at all, about the earring? ” 

Dolly was sitting on the edge of her little white 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


bed. At Dotty’s reiteration of her query, Dolly 
threw her head down on the pillow and hid her 
face. 

“ Do you ? ” repeated Dotty, her voice now tinged 
with fear. 

Dolly sat upright and looked at her. “ Don’t 
ask me. Dotty,” she said, “ I can’t tell you.” 

“ Can!t tell me,” cried Dotty, in bewilderment, 
“ then who on earth could you tell, I’d like to 
know ! ” 

“ I could tell mother ! Oh, Dotty, I want to go 
home!” 

“ Well, you can’t go home, not till day after to- 
morrow, anyway. What’s the matter with you, 
Dolly, why can’t you tell me what you know? How 
can I find the thing, and clear you from suspicion if 
you have secrets from me? ” 

You can’t. Dotty. Don’t try.” 

Dolly spoke in a tense, strained way, as if trying 
to preserve her calm. She sat down at their little 
dressing-table and began to brush her hair. 

A tap came at the door, and in a moment, Bernice 
came in. 

“ Let me come in and talk to you girls,” she 

< 198 ^ 


AT THE TEA ROOM 


begged. “ Alicia is in a temper, and won’t say any- 
thing except to snap out something quarrelsome. 
What are we going to do ? ” 

‘‘ I don’t know, Bernie,” and Dotty looked as if at 
her wits’ end. It’s bad enough to put up with that 
old Fenn’s hateful talk, but now Dolly’s gone queer, 
and you say Alicia has, — what are we to do ? ” 

“ Let’s talk it all over with Mrs. Berry at lunch, 
she’s real sensible and she’s very kind-hearted.” 

“ Yes, she is. And there’s the gong now. Come 
on, let’s go down. Come on, Dollikins, brace up, and 
look pretty ! Heigho ! come on, Alicia ! ” 

Alicia appeared, looking sullen rather than sad, 
and the quartette went downstairs. 

Mrs. Berry listened with interest to their story. 
Interest that quickly turned to deep concern as the 
story went on. 

“ I don’t like it,” she said, as the girls paused to 
hear her comments. “No qarelessness or thought- 
lessness could make that valuable earring disappear 
off the face of the earth! I mean, it couldn’t get 
lost, it must have been taken.” 

“ By us ? ” flared out Alicia. 

“ Maybe not meaningly, maybe for a joke, maybe 

-C199> 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


unconsciously; but it was carried out of that room 
by some one, of that I’m certain.” 

“ The idea of thinking we’d do it as a joke ! ” cried 
Bernice. 

‘‘But you told me about the joke Mr. Forbes 
played on you about the b. c. image, why mightn’t 
one of you have taken this to tease him.? Oh, girls, 
if any of you did, — give it back, I beg of you ! Mr. 
Forbes is a kind man, but a very just one. If you 
give it back at once, and explain, he will forgive you, 
fully and freely. But if you delay too long he will 
lose patience. And, too, you must know he wants 
to — ” 

“Wants to what, Mrs. Berry.? ” asked Dotty, for 
the lady had stopped speaking very suddenly. 

“ Never mind. I forgot myself. But Mr. Forbes 
has a very strong reason for wishing to sift this 
matter to the bottom. Don’t, girls, — oh, donH de- 
ceive him ! ” 

“ What makes you think we’re deceiving him.? ” 
cried Dotty. “ That’s the way old Fenn talks 1 
Isn’t he a disagreeable man, Mrs. Berry.? ” 

“ Mr. Fenn is peculiar,” she admitted, “ but it 


AT THE TEA ROOM 


isn’t nice for you to criticise Mr. Forbes’ secretary. 
He is a trusted employe, and of great use in his 
various capacities.” 

“ But he was very rude to us,” complained Alicia. 
“ He was positively insulting to Dolly and me.” 

“ Don’t remember it,” counselled Mrs. Berry. 
“ The least you have to do with him the better. 
Forget anything he may have said, and keep out of 
his way all you can.” 

Mr. Forbes’ housekeeper was a tactful and peace- 
able woman, and she well knew the temperament and 
disposition of the secretary. She herself disliked 
him* exceedingly, but it was part of her diplomacy to 
avoid open encounter with him. And she deemed it 
best for the girls to follow her course. 

“ I think,” she said finally, “ the best thing for 
you to do, is to go for a nice motor ride in the park. 
It is a lovely day, and the ride will do you good and 
make you feel a heap better. Then on your return, 
stop at a pretty tearoom, and have some cakes and 
chocolate, or ices; and while you’re gone. I’ll have 
a little talk with Mr. Forbes, and, who knows, maybe 
we might find the earring ! ” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ You’re going to search our boxes ! ” cried Alicia. 
‘‘ Well, I won’t submit to such an insult 1 I shall 
lock mine before I go out.” 

“ So shall I,” declared Dolly. “ I think we all 
ought to. ReaUy, Mrs. Berry, it’s awful for you 
to do a thing like that ! ” 

‘‘Mercy me! girls, how you do jump at conclu- 
sions! I never said a word about searching your 
rooms. I had no thought of such a thing! You 
mustn’t condemn me unheard! You wouldn’t like 
that, yourselves ! ” 

“ Indeed, we wouldn’t, Mrs. Berry,” cried Dolly, 
smiling at her. “ I apologise for my burst of tem- 
per, I’m sure. But I hate to be suspected.” 

“ Be careful, Dolly, not to be selfish. Others hate 
to be suspected too — ” 

“ Yes, but 7’m innocent ! ” cried Dolly, and as soon 
as she had spoken she blushed fiery red, and her 
sweet face was covered with confusion. 

“ Meaning somebody else isnH innocent ! ” spoke 
up Alicia ; “ who, please ” 

“ Me, probably,” said Dotty, striving to turn the 
matter off with a laugh. “ Dolly and I always 
suspect each other on principle — ” 


AT THE TEA ROOM 


“ Oh, pooh ! This is no time to be funny ! ” and 
Alicia looked daggers at the smiling Dotty. 

“ You’re right, Alicia, it isn’t ! ” she flashed back, 
and then Mrs. Berry’s calm voice interrupted again. 

“ Now, girlies, don’t quarrel among yourselves. 
There’s trouble enough afoot, without your adding 
to it. Take my advice. Go and put on some pretty 
dresses and then go for a ride, as I told you, and 
get your tea at the ‘ Queen Titania ’ tearoom. It’s 
just lately been opened, and it’s a most attractive 
place. But promise not to squabble. Indeed, I 
wish you’d promise not to discuss this matter of the 
earring. But I suppose that’s too much to ask ! ” 

“ Yes, indeed, Mrs. Berry,” and Bernice smiled at 
her. “ I’m sure we couldn’t keep that promise if we 
made it ! ” 

“ Well, don’t quarrel. It can’t do any good. 
Run along now, and dress.” 

The cheery good-nature of the housekeeper helped 
to raise the girls’ depressed spirits, and after they 
had changed into pretty afternoon costumes and 
donned their coats and furs, they had at least, par- 
tially forgotten their troubles of the morning. 

But not for long. As they sped along in the 

-{: 203 > 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


great, comfortable car, each found her thoughts re- 
verting to the sad episode, and oh, with what varied 
feelings ! 

Suddenly, Bernice broke out with a new theory. 

“ I’ll tell you what 1 ” she exclaimed ; Uncle Jeff 
hid that thing himself, to see how we would act! 
Then he pretended to suspect us ! That man is 
studying us ! Oh, you needn’t tell me! I’ve noticed 
it ever since we came. He watches everything we 
do, and when he says anything especial, he looks 
closely, to see how we’re going to take it.” 

“ I ’ve noticed that, too,” agreed Dolly. “ But 
it’s silly, Bernie, to think he took his own jewel.” 

‘‘ Just to test us, you know. I can’t make out 
'why he wants to study us so, but maybe he’s writ- 
ing a book or something like that. Else why did he 
want not only Alicia and me but two of our friends 
to come for this visit? He studies us, not only as 
to our own characters, but the effect we have on 
each other.” 

Dotty looked at Bernice with interest. 

“You clever thing!” she cried; “I do believe 
you’re right! I’ve caught Uncle Forbes frequently 
looking at one or another of us with the most quiz- 


AT THE TEA ROOM 


zical expression and listening intently for our an- 
swers to some question of right or wrong or our 
opinions about something.” 

‘‘ I’ve noticed it,” said Dolly, though in an indif- 
ferent tone, “ but I don’t think he’s studying us. I 
think he’s so unused to young people that everything 
we do seems strange to him. Why any of our 
fathers would know what we’re going to say before 
we say it. Mine would anyhow and so would Dot’s. 
But Mr. Forbes is surprised at anything we say or 
do because he never saw girls at close range before. 
I think we interest him just like his specimens do.” 

V That’s it,” cried Dotty, you’ve struck it, Doll. 
We’re just specimens to him. He’s studying a new 
kind of creature! And, maybe he did want to see 
what we’d do in given circumstances, — like an un- 
just accusation, and so he arranged this tragic situ- 
ation.” 

“ No,” said Dolly, still in that unnerved, listless 
way, “ no, that won’t do. Dotty. If it were true, 
he’d never let Mr. Fenn be so rude to us. Why, this 
morning, I’m sure, — I hnow^ — Mr. Forbes was just 
as uncertain of what had become of that earring as 
— as any of us were.” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Well, have it jour own way,” and Dotty smiled 
good-naturedly at her chum, ‘‘ but here’s my decision. 
That thing is lost. Somehow or other, for some 
ridiculous reason, blame seems to be attached to my 
Dollyrinda. I won’t stand it! I hereby announce 
that I’m going to find that missing gimcrack before 
I go back to my native heath, — if I have to take all 
summer 1 ” 

‘‘Aren’t you going home on Wednesday.?” cried 
Dolly, looking aghast at the idea. 

“Not unless that old thing is found! I’ll tele- 
phone my dear parents not to look for me until they 
see me. I’ll hunt every nook and cranny of Mr. 
Forbes’ house, and when I get through. I’ll hunt over 
again. But find the thing, I will ! So there, now ! ” 

“Why do you say Dolly is suspected.?” asked 
Alicia. 

“ Oh, you all know she is, just because she hooked 
the foolish thing into her lace. She put it on the 
table after that, and every one of us probably 
handled it, but no, it is laid to Dolly ! Just because 
she’s the only one of us incapable of such a thing, 
— I guess ! ” 

“ Why, Dot Rose, what a speech ! ” and Dolly al- 


AT THE TEA ROOM 


most laughed at the belligerent Dotty. “ None of 
us would take it wrongly, I’m sure — but — ” 

‘‘Well, but what.^ ” demanded Alicia, as Dolly 
paused. 

“ Oh, nothing, Alicia, but the same old arguments. 
Mistake, — unintentional, — caught in our dresses, 

— and all that.” Dolly spoke wearily, as if worn 
out with the subject. 

“ Well, I’ve a new theory,” said Dotty, “ I believe 
that Fenn man stole it ! ” 

The other three laughed, but Dotty went on> 
“ Yes, I do. You see, he’s never had a chance to 
take any of the treasures before, ’cause Uncle Forbes 
would know he was the thief. But now he has all us 
four to lay it on, so he made the most of his chance.” 

“ Oh, Dotty, I can’t believe it I ” said Bernice. 
“ He didn’t act like a thief this morning. He was 
more like an avenging justice.” 

“ That’s just his smartness ! Make it seem as if 
we did it, you know.” 

“ Nothing in it,” and Dolly smiled at Dotty’s 
theory. “ He wasn’t here yesterday, at all. He 
didn’t know that I hooked the old thing on my waist, 

— oh, I wish I hadn’t done that! ” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Never you mind, Dollums,” Dotty said, endear- 
ingly. “ If he did do it, we’ll track him down. Be- 
cause, girls, I tell you I’m going to find that earring. 
And what Dorothy Rose says, goes! See.'^ ” 

Dotty’s brightness cheered up the others, and as 
they drove through the park, there were many sights 
of interest, and after a time the talk drifted from the 
subject that had so engrossed them. 

And when at last they stopped at the new tea 
room and went in, the beauty and gaiety of the place 
made them almost forget their trouble. 

“ I’ll have cafe parfait,*^ said Dotty, ‘‘ with heaps 
of little fancy cakes. We can’t get real fancy cakes 
in Berwick, and I do love ’em I ” 

The others were of a like mind, and soon they 
were feasting on the rich and delicate confections 
that the modem tea room delights to provide. 

While they sat there, Muriel Brown came in, ac- 
companied by two of her girl friends. 

‘‘ Oh, mayn’t we chum with you ? ” Muriel cried, 
and our four girls said yes, delightedly. 

“ How strange we should meet,” said Dolly, but 
Muriel laughed and responded, “ Not so very, as I’m 
-{: 208 > 


AT THE TEA ROOM 


here about four or five days out of the seven. I 
just simply love the waffles here, don’t you ? ” 

And then the girls all laughed and chattered and 
the New Yorkers invited the other four to several 
parties and small affairs. 

“ New York is the most hospitable place I ever 
saw!” declared Dotty. “We seem to be asked 
somewhere every day for a week.” 

“ Everybody’s that,” laughed Muriel. “ But you 
must come to these things we’re asking you for, won’t 
you.? ” 

“ I don’t believe we can promise,” said Bernice, 
suddenly growing serious. “ You see, we may go 
home on Wednesday.” 

“Day after to-morrow.? Oh, impossible! Don’t 
say the word ! ” And with a laugh, Muriel dashed 
away the unwelcome thought. “ I shall depend upon 
you,” she went on, “ especially for\he Friday party. 
That’s one of the best of all! You just must be at 
it!” 

“ If we’re here, we will,” declared Alicia, carried 
away by the gay insistence. “ And I’m ’most sure 
Bernice and I will be here, even if the others aren’t.” 


7 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


‘‘ I want you all,” laughed Muriel, “ but I’ll take 
as many as I can get.” 

Then into the limousine again, and off for home. 

“ Oh,” cried Dolly, “ that horrid business ! I had 
almost forgotten it ! ” 

We can’t forget it till it’s settled,” said Dotty, 
and her lips came tightly together with a grim ex- 
pression that she showed only when desperately in 
earnest. 




CHAPTER XV 
dolly’s ride 


I T was Tuesday morning that Lewis Fenn came 
to Dolly and asked her to give him a few mo- 
ments’ chat. 

A little bewildered, Dolly followed Fenn into the 
reception room, and they sat down, Fenn closing the 
door after them. 

* “ It’s thi^ way, Miss Fayre,” he began. “ I know 
you took the gold earring. It’s useless for you to 
deny it. It speaks for itself. You are the only one 
of you girls especially interested in antiques, and 
moreover, you are the one who handled the jewel last. 
Now, I don’t for a moment hold you guilty of steal- 
ing. I know that you thought the thing of no very 
great intrinsic value, and as Mr. Forbes has so many 
such things in his possession you thought one more 
or less couldn’t matter to him. So, overcome by 
your desire to keep it as a souvenir, and because of 
its antique interest you involuntarily took it away 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


with you. Of course, searching your boxes is use- 
less, for you have concealed it some place in the 
house where no one would think of looking. Now, I 
come to you as a friend, and advise you to own up. 
I assure you, Mr. Forbes will forgive you and he will 
do so much more readily if you go to him at once and 
confess.” 

Dolly sat rigidly, through this long citation, her 
face growing whiter, her eyes more and more fright- 
ened, as she listened. When Fenn paused, she strug- 
gled to speak but couldn’t utter a sound. She was 
speechless with mingled emotions. She was angry, 
primarily, but other thoughts rushed through her 
brain and she hesitated what attitude to assume. 

The secretary looked at her curiously. 

“ Well? ” he said, and there was a threatening tone 
in his voice. 

Dolly looked at him, looked straight into his ac- 
cusing eyes, began to speak, and then, in a burst of 
tears, she cried out, Oh, how I hate you ! ” 

Dotty flung open the door and walked in. 

“ I’ve been listening,” she announced, ‘‘ listening at 
the keyhole, to hear what you said to my friend ! I 
heard, and I will answer you. Dolly Fayre no more 


DOLLY’S RIDE 


took that earring, than you did, Mr. Fenn, and I’m 
inclined to think from your manner, that you stole 
it yourself ! ” 

“ What ! ” shouted Fenn, surprised out of his usual 
calm. “ What do you mean, you little minx.?^ ” 

“ Just what I say,” repeated Dotty, but Dolly 
had already fled from the room. She went in search 
of Mrs. Berry, and found her in her own bedroom. 

“ Please, Mrs. Berry,” said Dolly, controlling her 
sob-shaken voice, “ I want to go out, all by myself, 
a little while. May ” 

“ Goodness, child, what do you mean ? Where ? 
I’ll go with you.” 

“ No ; I want to go alone. I have to think some- 
^ thing out all by myself. Nobody can help me, and 
if I’m here, all the girls will butt in and bother me.” 

“ Where are you going.? For a walk.? ” 

“ No, please. I want to ride on the top of a 
Fifth Avenue stage. I want to go alone, and then, 
sitting up there, with the fresh air blowing around 
me, I can think something out. I may go, mayn’t 
I, Mrs. Berry? I know all about the stages.” 

“ Why, yes, child, of course, you can go, if you 
really want to. You can’t come to any harm just 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


riding on top of a bus. Run along. But I’d rather 
you’d let me help you. Or go with you.” 

“ No, please; I must be alone. I don’t want even 
Dotty. I have something very serious to decide. 
No one can help me. My mother could, but she isn’t 
here.” 

“ I wish you’d try me,” and the kind lady smiled 
endearingly. 

“ I would if I could, and youVe a dear to ask me. 
But this is a special matter, and it troubles me aw- 
fully. So, I’ll go off by myself for an hour or so, 
and when I come back, I’ll be all decided about it.” 

Dolly got her hat and coat, without seeing the 
other girls at all. She went out at the front door 
of the big Fifth Avenue house, and walked a few 
blocks before she stopped to wait for a stage. 

“ I don’t care which way I go,” she thought to 
herself, “ I’ll take the first bus that comes along.” 

The first one chanced to be going down-town, and 
signalling the conductor, Dolly climbed the little 
winding stairs to the top. 

There were only half a dozen passengers up there, 
and Dolly sat down near the front. 

It was a clear, crisp morning. The air was full of 


DOLLY’S RIDE 


ozone, and no sooner had Dolly settled herself into 
her seat, than she began to feel better. Her mind 
cleared and she could combat the problems that were 
troubling her. But she was in a* dilemma. Should 
she go to Mr. Forbes and tell him where the jewel 
was, — or, should she not.?^ 

She wanted to be honest, she wanted to do right, 
but it would be a hard task. The more she thought 
it over, the more she was perplexed, and though her 
spirits were cheered by the pleasant ride, her troubles 
were as far as ever from a solution. 

Down she went, down the beautiful Avenue, past 
the* Sherman statue and the Plaza fountain. On, 
past the Library, down through the shopping dis- 
trict, and then Dolly concluded she would go on down 
to the Washington Arch, and stay in the same bus 
for the return trip. 

But, before she realised it, she found the bus she 
was in had turned East on Thirty-second Street, and 
was headed for the Railroad Station. She started 
up, to get off the stage, but sat down again. 

“ What’s the use? ” she thought. “ I can just as 
well go on to the station, and come back again. I 
only want the ride.” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


So she went on, and at the station, she was asked 
to take another stage. Down the stairs she climbed, 
and as she glanced at the great colonnade of the 
building she realised that from there trains went 
home ! Home, — where mother was ! 

Unable to resist, Dolly obeyed an impulse to enter 
the station. 

The warm, pleasant atmosphere of the arcade, 
soothed her nerves, and she walked along, thinking 
deeply. 

She came to the stairs that led down to the wait- 
ing rooms, and a great wave of homesickness came 
over her. 

She would go home ! She had money with her, she 
would buy a ticket, and go straight to Berwick ! She 
couldn’t, she simply could not face Uncle Jeff and 
the girls, with her secret untold, and she would not 
tell it! 

Anyway, she couldn’t go back to the house where 
that horrid Fenn was ! That was certain. 

She looked in her pocket-book, and tucked away in 
its folds was the return half of her Berwick ticket! 
She had forgotten that she had it with her. It 
seemed a finger of Fate pointing the way. 


DOLLY’S RIDE 


‘‘ I will,” she decided. ‘‘ I will go back to Berwick. 
I’ll ask about the trains.” 

Inquiry at the Information Department told her 
that there would be a train for Berwick in half an 
hour, and Dolly went in and sat down in the waiting 
room. 

Suddenly it struck her that the people at Mr. 
Forbes’ would be alarmed at her non-appearance, 
and would be very anxious for her safety. 

That would never do. She had no wish to disturb 
kind Mrs. Berry or to scare Dotty half to death. 

She saw the telephone booths near by, and realised 
how easy it would be to communicate with the house. 

She asked the operator for the number of Jefferson 
Forbes’ residence and in a moment was in the booth. 

The butler responded to her call, and Dolly did 
not ask for any one else. 

“That you, McPherson ” she said, speaking as 
casually as she could. 

“ Yes, Miss Fayre. Will you speak with Mrs. 
Berry? ” 

“ No ; I’ll give you a message. Please say to Miss 
Rose that I have gone to Berwick.” 

“ To Berwick, miss ? ” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


‘‘ Yes; and tell Mrs. Berry the same. That’s all, 
McPherson; no message for any one else.” 

Yes, Miss Fay re. When will you be back, Miss 
Fayre.? ” 

“ Not at all. Or, that is, — never mind that. 
Just say I have gone to Berwick. I’ll write to Miss 
Rose as soon as I get there.” 

“ Yes, Miss Fay re,” and the butler hung up his 
receiver. It was not his business if the ladies came 
or went. 

In obedience to orders, McPherson went to Mrs. 
Berry and delivered the message. 

The dear child,” said the housekeeper, and the 
tears came to her eyes. Of course, she knew about 
the earring episode, and until now she hadn’t sus- 
pected that Dolly really took it. But to run away 
practically proved her guilt. So she had meant to 
go when she asked permission to go on the bus! 
Mrs. Berry’s heart was torn, for she loved Dolly best 
of the four, and it was a blow to be thus forced to 
believe her guilty. She quizzed the butler, but he 
had no further information to give. 

“ She only said she was going, ma’am, and said for 
me to tell you and Miss Rose, That’s all.” 


DOLLY’S RIDE 


“ I wiU tell Miss Rose,” said Mrs. Berry, and dis- 
missed the man. 

She thought deeply before going to find Dotty. 
She wondered if she might yet stay Dolly’s flight and 
persuade her to return. She looked up a timetable, 
and found that the train for Berwick would leave in 
ten minutes. Doubtless Dolly was already in the 
car. 

However, being a woman of energetic nature, Mrs. 
Berry telephoned to the Railroad Station. She 
asked for a porter, and begged him to try to find 
Dolly, whom she described, and ask her to come to 
the telephone. 

I remember seeing that girl,” said the negro 
porter. “ She was walking around sort of sad- 
like, and sort of uncertain. But I don’t see her 
now.” 

“ Look on the Berwick train,” commanded Mrs. 
Berry, and do it quickly. If she’s on the train, 
ask her to get off and answer my call. I think 
she’ll do it. Go quickly ! I’ll hold the wire.” . 

But it was within a few minutes of starting time; 
the train was crowded, and after a short search the 
porter came back with the word that he couldn’t find 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


her. “ I could of,” he said, “ if I’d ’a’ had a minute 
more. But the Train Despatcher put me off, and 
they started. Sorry, ma’am.” 

“ I’m sorry, too,” and Mrs. Berry sighed as she 
realised how near she had come to success, only to 
fail. 

She thought a few moments longer, then she went 
to find Dotty. 

That young person, she discovered, to her aston- 
ishment, was up in Mr. Forbes’ own study, on the 
fourth floor. Dotty had insisted on an interview 
with her host after the stormy time she had with his 
secretary. 

Mr. Forbes had received her, not at all unwillingly, 
for he wanted to get at the truth of the unpleasant 
matter. 

“ Dolly never took it ! ” Mrs. Berry heard Dotty 
declare, as she approached the door. ‘‘ Either it’s 
just lost, or else Mr. Fenn stole it, — or else — ” 

“ Or else what ? ” asked Mr. Forbes, as Dotty 
paused. 

“ I don’t like to say,” and Dotty twisted her finger 
nervously ; ‘‘I do suspect somebody, — at least, I 
fear maybe I do, a little bit, but I won’t say anything 


DOLLY^S RIDE 


about it, unless you keep on blaming Dolly. Then I 
will!” 

“ I have something to tell you,” said Mrs. Berry, 
entering. “ Dolly has gone home.” 

What ! ” cried Mr. Forbes and Dotty simultane- 
ously. Lewis Fenn smiled. 

‘‘ Yes,” continued Mrs. Berry, “ she has gone home 
to Berwick. She came to me and asked if she might 
go for a ride on top of a Fifth Avenue stage, to think 
things out by herself, — she said. Then, a little 
later, she telephoned from the Pennsylvania Station 
that she was just taking the train for Berwick.” 

“ I don’t believe it ! ” cried Dotty. “ Who told 
you ? ” 

McPherson. He took the message. Dolly said 
to tell you, Dotty, and to tell me, but she sent no 
word to any one else.” 

“ Looks bad,” said Mr. Forbes, shaking his head. 

I told you so ! ” said Lewis Fenn, nodding his. 

I knew when I flatly accused Miss Fayre this morn- 
ing of taking the earring, that she was the guilty one. 
Understand me, she didn’t mean to steal. She didn’t 
look upon it as theft. She only took a fancy to the 
bauble, and appropriated it without really thinking 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


it wrong. As a child would take a worthless little 
trinket, you know.” 

Dotty looked stunned. She paid no attention to 
Fenn’s talk ; she stared at Mrs. Berry, saying, “ Has 
she really gone ? ” 

“ Yes, dear,” answered the sympathetic lady, “ she 
has. Perhaps it’s the best thing. She’ll tell her 
mother all about it, and then we’ll know the truth.” 

Yes, she’ll confess to her mother,” said Fenn, and 
he grinned in satisfaction. 

‘‘ Shut up, Fenn,” said Mr. Forbes. ‘‘ I’m not at 
all sure Dolly is the culprit. If I know that girl, 
she wouldn’t run away if she were guilty, — but she 
might if she were unjustly accused.” 

“ That’s generous of you, sir,” said the secretary, 
“ but you know yourself that when I taxed Miss 
Fayre definitely with the deed, she immediately went 
oflf’, pretending that she was just going for a ride, 
and would return. That piece of deception doesn’t 
look like innocence, I think you must admit ! ” . 

“ No, no, it doesn’t. Dotty, did you say you had 
some other suspicion What is it.? ” 

“ I can’t tell it now. I can’t understand Dolly. 
I know, oh, I know she never took the earring, but I 


DOLLY’S RIDE 


can’t understand her going off like that. She never 
pretends. She’s never deceitful — ” 

She surely was this time,” and Fenn seemed to 
exult in the fact. 

“ Maybe she changed her plan after she started,” 
suggested Dotty dolorously. 

“ Not likely,” mused Mr. Forbes. “ It was un- 
precedented for her to go alone for a bus ride, but if 
it was because she wanted to get off home secretly, it 
is, of course, very plausible. She didn’t want any of 
you girls to know she was going, lest you persuade 
her not to. She didn’t want to go in my car alone, 
as that would seem strange. But to take a bus, that 
was really a clever way to escape unnoticed ! ” 

“ I’m surprised that she telephoned back at all,” 
said Mr. Fenn. 

‘‘ Of course, she would ! ” said Dotty, indignantly. 
“ She didn’t want us to think she was lost or worry 
about her safety.” 

“ She was most considerate,” said Fenn, sarcas- 
tically. 

“ Oh, stop ! ” cried Dotty, at the very end of her 
patience with the man. ‘‘ You’re enough to drive 
any one distracted ! ” 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Let the child alone, Fenn,” said Mr. Forbes ; 
“ your manner is irritating.” 

“ The whole affair is irritating,” returned the sec- 
retary, but it is now in a way to be cleared up, I 
think. We shall hear from Miss Fayre’s parents, 
I’m sure.” 

“ What w going on.^^ ” spoke up Alicia from the 
doorway, and she and Bernice came into the room. 
“ I know we’re forbidden up here, but Dotty’s here, 
so we came, too. What’s the- matter? ” 

Dolly’s gone home,” said Mr. Forbes, looking at 
his nieces. 

“ Dolly has ! ” exclaimed Bernice. What for? ” 

“ Because she was persecuted ! ” Dotty replied, 
‘‘ and unjustly accused, and suspected, and her life 
made generally miserable ! I don’t blame her for go- 
ing home ! I’m going, too.” 

“ When did she go ? Who took her ? ” Alicia 
asked. 

‘‘ She went alone,” said Mrs. Berry, and she gave 
them the details of Dolly’s departure. 

“ Well, I am surprised,” said Bernice, but Alicia 
began to cry softly. 

Y^es, cry, Alicia ! ” said Dotty, turning on her. 


DOLLY’S RIDE 


‘‘I should think you would! You made Dolly go! 
You know where that earring thing is ! ” 

I do not ! and Alicia stared at Dotty. 

‘‘ Well, you know something more than you’ve 
told!” 




CHAPTER XVI 


WAS IT ALICIA? 


HAT do you mean by that speech, 



Dotty? ” asked Bernice, as Alicia kept on 


crying. 

“ I mean just what I say. Alicia knows where the 
earring is, or, if she doesn’t know that, she knows 
something about it that she won’t tell us.” 

“ What is it, Alicia? ” said her uncle, kindly. “ If 
you know anything at all, tell us, won’t you ? ” 

I don’t. Uncle. I don’t know anything about 
it ! ” and Alicia wept more than ever. 

“ Well, the thing to do is to find it,” said Fenn, 
gazing closely at Alicia. “ Where we find it will 
disclose who took it.” 

“ I agree with you, Mr. Fenn,” said a voice from 
the doorway, and there stood Dolly Fayre! 

‘‘ Oh,” cried Dotty, “ I knew you wouldn’t run 
away ! ” 

“ I did,” returned Dolly, looking very sober. “ I 




WAS IT ALICIA? 


couldn’t stand things here, and I was tempted to go 
home.” 

“ Did you start out with that idea ? ” asked Dotty. 

“ No ; never thought of such a thing when I went 
out. But I took a bus that turned around and went 
to the station, so that made me think of Berwick and 
I got homesick for mother, and I just couldn’t help 
wanting to go to her. And I telephoned back here 
that I was going. Then, I had no sooner done that, 
than it seemed to me a cowardly thing to do, after 
all, and I changed my mind quick and came right 
back here. I rode up on top of a stage, and the trip 
in this lovely bright air made me feel a heap better. 
Now then, I want to say, once for all, that I didn’t 
take that earring, but I’m going to find out who did, 
and also I’m going to find the jewel. I don’t know 
which I’ll find first, but one means the other.” 

“ Just what I said. Miss Fayre,” exclaimed Fenn. 
‘‘ I’ll join forces with you, and we’ll see about this 
thing. We’ll find the missing jewel and we’ll find 
out who took it, but we’ll have to put up a search.” 

‘‘ All my things are at your disposal,” said Dolly ; 
“ look through all my cupboards and bureau drawers 
as you like. I’m not afraid.” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Of course not,” said Fenn, ^ after your absence 
this morning! You had a fine opportunity to dis- 
pose of the jewel! ” 

“ How dare you ! ” cried Dolly, turning white with 
rage. “ I have told you truthfully where I went and 
why.” 

“Let her alone, Fenn,” said Mr. Forbes, sharply. 
“You talk too much. Run along now, girls; we’ll 
let the matter rest for to-day. I’ll consult with Mr. 
Fenn, and I don’t think we’ll search your belongings. 
I can’t think any one of you has intentionally con- 
cealed the jewel. It’s lost but not stolen, that’s what 
I think.” 

“You dear old thing!” and Bernice impulsively 
threw her arms around her uncle’s neck. “ I think 
you’re right. But it must be found! ” 

“ It must be found ! ” repeated Dolly. “ Other- 
wise suspicion will always rest on me.” 

“ Not on you any more than the rest of us,” de- 
clared Dotty, “but there’s no use in hunting any 
more in this room. It simply isn’t here.” 

They had searched the room in which the jewel had 
been kept, thoroughly and repeatedly. So the girls 
went off to their own rooms to talk it all over again. 


WAS IT ALICIA? 


‘‘ You’re too hard on them, Fenn,” said Mr. 
Forbes to his secretary, when they were alone. 

“ But it’s a clear case, sir. That Fayre girl took 
it. She got scared and tried to run home, then de- 
cided it would be better to face the music, so she re- 
turned. She’s the one, of course. She adores those 
old trinkets ; the others don’t care two cents for 
them. She put it on her dress, — probably she took 
it off again, but after that the temptation to possess 
the thing was too strong for her. She thought 
you’d not miss it, and she carried it off. Then, when 
she was out this morning, she either threw it away, 
or secreted it somewhere. Perhaps she took it to 
some friend for safe keeping.” 

“ I don’t believe it, Fenn. I’ve studied the four 
girls pretty closely and Dolly Fayre is, I think, the 
most frank and honest and conscientious of them all.. 
Why, I’d suspect either of my own nieces before I 
would Dolly.” 

“You’re generous, sir. But you’re mistaken. 
Miss Fayre is the culprit, and we’ll fasten the theft 
on her yet.” 

“ I hope not, — I sincerely hope not. But it’s a 
queer business, Fenn, a very queer business.” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

“ It’s all of that, Mr. Forbes, but we’ll get at the 
truth of it yet.” 

Meantime the four girls were talking over the mat- 
ter. But not all together. The two D’s, in their 
own room, and the other two girls in theirs were hav- 
ing separate confabs. 

“ Now, Dolly Fayre,” Dotty was saying, “ you tell 
me everything you know about this thing! I don’t 
want any holding back or concealing of any suspi- 
cions or doubts you may have.” 

“ It isn’t really a suspicion. Dotty, but I will tell 
you. It’s only that just as we left the room, the 
museum room I call it, yesterday afternoon, we were 
all out, and Alicia ran back. She said she had left 
her handkerchief on the table. And she went 
straight to that very table where I had laid the ear- 
ring. Now, I can’t suspect Alicia, but that’s what 
she did.” 

Well, Dolly,” and Dotty looked thoughtful, 

that’s enough to cast suspicion on her. She went 
to that very table ^ ” 

‘‘ Yes. Of course, I didn’t think anything about 
it at the time, but now I remember it distinctly. 
That’s why I wanted to go home and tell Mother all 


WAS IT ALICIA? 


about it, and ask her if I ought to tell Mr. Forbes 
about Alicia.” 

“ I see. I don’t know myself what you ought to 
do. I’ve been thinking it might be Alicia all the 
time. I hate to suspect her, as much as you do. 
But if she ran back, and went to that table, and then 
the jewel that laid there was gone, it certainly looks 
queer. Decidedly queer.” 

« Well, what shall I do?” 

I suppose you’ll have to keep still, unless you’re 
actually accused of taking it. You can’t very well 
tell on Alicia.” 

“ That’s what I think.” 

“ But if they really accuse you, — and Mr. Fenn 
has already done so.” 

‘‘ Oh, Fenn ! I don’t care what he says. If Mr. 
Forbes doesn’t think I took it, I don’t want to say 
anything about Alicia.” 

“ Well, let’s wait and see. After what you’ve just 
told me, I think she did take it. But I don’t want 
to think that.” 

Now, in the next room, Alicia and Bernice were 
talking confidentially and in low tones. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ Of course, Dolly must have taken it,” Alicia 
said, slowly. 

‘‘ I can’t believe that,” said Bernice. “ I know 
DoUy Fay re awfully well, and I just about ’most 
know she couldn’t do such a thing.” 

“ I daresay she never was tempted before. You 
can’t teU what you may do until there’s a sudden 
temptation. She might have thought it was no 
harm, when Uncle Jeff has so many of such trinkets. 
She might have thought he’d never miss it — ” 

“ No,” dissented Bernice. “ DoUy never thought 
out those things. If she did take it, it was just on 
the spur of the moment, and, as you say, because of 
a sudden irresistible temptation. And the minute 
after she was doubtless sorry, but then she was 
ashamed to confess or return it.” 

It was luncheon time then, and the girls went 
downstairs together, with no disclosures of their sus- 
picions of each other. 

At the luncheon table the subject was freely dis- 
cussed. 

Dolly explained to Mrs. Berry that, after she had 
telephoned she was going home, she felt that it was 


WAS IT ALICIA? 


a cowardly thing to do, and that she ought to remain 
and see the matter through. 

‘‘ You see,” Dolly said, smiling, “ it was a sudden 
temptation, when I got to the station, to go home. 
Just the sight of the ticket office, and the train gates, 
gave me a wave of homesickness and I wanted to see 
Mother so terribly, that I thought Fd just go. But 
as soon as I’d telephoned, I realised that I oughtn’t 
to do it, so I came right back here. I didn’t tele- 
phone I’d changed my mind, for I thought I’d be here 
so soon. Mrs. Berry, what do you think became of 
the earring? ” 

“ I don’t know, I’m sure, my dear. I don’t think 
I could ever believe that any one of you girls took it 
with any wrong intent. Did one of you just borrow 
it? To study it as a curio or anything like that? ” 

‘‘ No ! ” cried Bernice. That’s absurd. If I’d 
wanted to do that I should have asked Uncle’s per- 
mission.” 

“ Of course you would,” and good Mrs. Berry 
sighed at the undoubted fallacy of her theory. 

It was during luncheon that the telephone bell 
rang, and Geordie Knapp invited the girls to a mati- 
nee at the Hippodrome. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“ They must come,” he said to Mrs. Berry, who 
had answered his call. “ Please let them. It’s a big 
party. We’ve three boxes ; my mother is going with 
us, and all the rest are young people. I know your 
girls will like it.” 

‘‘ Of course they will,” Mrs. Berry replied. “ I’ll 
be glad to have them go. Wait; I’ll ask them.” 

The invitation was heard with delight, and Bernice 
answered Geordie for the others that they’d all be 
glad to go. 

‘‘Good!” cried Geordie. “We’ll call for you in 
our big car. Be ready on time.” 

They promised and hastened through luncheon to 
go to dress. 

“ I’m glad you’re going,” kind Mrs. Berry said ; 
“ it’ll take your minds off this old earring business. 
Have a real good time, and don’t even think of any- 
thing unpleasant.” 

So the girls started off in gay spirits, resolved not 
to worry over the lost jewel. 

During the intermission at the matinee Dotty 
chanced to be talking to Geordie alone, and she told 
him about the mystery, and asked him what he 
thought. The boy was greatly interested, and asked 


WAS IT ALICIA? 


for all the details. So Dotty told him all, even of 
Dolly’s seeing Alicia return to the room and go to 
the table by the window. 

“ Jiminy crickets ! ” said Geordie, that looks 
bad! But I can’t believe Alicia would take it, nor 
any of you others. Let me talk to Alicia; I won’t 
accuse her, you know, but maybe I can gather some- 
thing from the way she talks.” 

So by changing of seats Geordie found opportun- 
ity to talk to Alicia about the matter. To his sur- 
prise, she willingly discussed it, and, moreover, she 
made no secret of the fact that she suspected Dolly 
of taking it. She said she felt sure that Dolly did 
it, meaning no great harm, but probably being over- 
tempted. “ Why,” said Alicia, “ she said only at 
luncheon that when she was at the Railroad Station 
she was so tempted to go home to her mother that 
she very nearly went. So, you see, she is given to 
sudden temptations and I suppose she can’t always 
resist them.” 

Geordie considered. “ I don’t believe she took it, 
Alicia,” he said ; either it’s slipped behind some- 
thing, or else somebody else got in and took it. It 
never was one of you four girls ! I’m sure it wasn’t. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


If I could be over there for an hour or so, I’ll bet I 
could find it. I’m pretty good at such things. 
S’pose I go home with you after the show; may I.? ” 

“ Oh, I wish you would ! If you could find that 
thing, you would be a joy and a blessing! ” 

And so, after the performance was over, Geordie 
Knapp and Ted Hosmer both went to Mr. Forbes’ 
house with the four girls. 

Alicia asked her uncle’s permission for them all to 
go up to the museum rooms, and he gave it. He 
was not entirely willing, for he rarely allowed visitors 
to his collections, but Alicia coaxed until he gave in. 

“ It can’t be that Alicia took it,” Dotty whispered 
to Dolly, “ for she is so willing to have Geordie in- 
vestigate.” 

Ted Hosmer was as anxious as Geordie to hunt for 
the earring, but when he reached the rooms of the 
collections he was so interested in looking at the 
specimens that he nearly forgot what they came for. 

“ Look at the birds I ” he cried, as they passed 
through the Natural History room on the way to the 
antiques. 

“ You like birds ? ” asked Dolly, as she saw his 
eyes brighten at the sights all round him. 


WAS IT ALICIA? 


“ Yes, indeed ! I’ve a small collection myself, but 
nothing like this ! I study about birds every chance 
I get. Oh, see the humming birds! Aren’t they 
beautiful ? ” 

But Dolly persuaded him to leave the birds and 
butterflies and go on to the antique room. 

Here the girls told their two visitors all about the 
earring and its disappearance. Mr. Fenn was not 
present, for which Dolly was deeply grateful. 

Mr. Forbes watched the two boys quizzically. 
Then he said, 

“ Go to it, Geordie. Do a little detective work. 
If any of my four visitors took it, make them own up. 
I won’t scold them ; I’m anxious only to know which 
one it was.” 

You don’t really think it was any of them, I 
know, Mr. Forbes, or you wouldn’t speak like that,” 
said Ted. “ I know you think as I do, that some 
queer mischance or accident is responsible for the 
disappearance. But what was that accident, and 
where is the jewel.^ ” 

The two boys searched methodically. They did 
not look into cupboards or drawers ; they asked ques- 
tions and tried to think out some theory. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“Could any one have come in at the window?” 
asked Ted. 

“ No chance of that,” said Mr. Forbes, “ consider- 
ing the window is in the fourth story, and no bal- 
cony, or any way of reaching it from the ground.” 

Geordie stuck his head out of the window in ques- 
tion. 

“Who lives next door?” he said, looking across 
the narrow yard to the next house. 

“ People named Mortimer,” replied Mr. Forbes. 
“ But they’re all away from home. They’re some- 
where down South.” 

“ There’s somebody over there. I see a light in 
one of the rooms.” 

“ A caretaker, maybe. But don’t be absurd. 
It’s all of ten or twelve feet across to that house from 
our back extension to theirs. Are you thinking 
somebody could spring across, take the jewel and 
spring back again ? ” 

“ That isnH very likely, is it? ” Ted laughed, “ but 
there’s some explanation, somewhere,” and the boy 
shook his head. “You see, Mr. Forbes, somebody 
might have made entrance to this room after the 


WAS IT ALICIA? 


girls left it Sunday afternoon, and before you dis- 
covered your loss.” 

“ Somebody might,” agreed Mr. Forbes, but I 
can’t quite see how. Surely no intruder came up 
by way of the stairs ; I can’t believe any one came in 
by the window, and what other way is there? ” 

“ Suppose,” said Geordie, earnestly, ‘‘ suppose the 
caretaker, or whoever is next door, saw you people 
examining the earring by the light from the window, 
— you were by the window, weren’t you ? ” 

Yes,” said Dolly, to whom he had put the ques- 
tion. Yes, it was growing dusk, and I stepped to 
the window to look at the gold work.” 

Well, suppose this caretaker person saw you, 
and realised the jewel was valuable. Then suppose 
after you all went out and left the earring on this 
little table, which is only ten or twelve inches from 
the window, suppose the caretaker leaned out of his 
window, and, with a long pole, with a hook on the 
end, fished the thing over to himself.” 

“ Ridiculous ! ” cried Mr. Forbes. “ Nobody 
could do such a thing as that! Absurd, my boy! 
Why, even a long fishpole would scarcely be long 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

enough, and he couldn’t get purchase enough on the 
end—” 

‘‘ I admit it sounds difficult, sir, but they do pretty 
clever things that way.” 

‘‘ And, too, I can’t suspect my neighbour’s serv- 
ants! Why, I’ve not the slightest cause for such 
suspicion ! ” 

“ Oh, no, I can’t think it’s that way, either,” said 
DoUy. ‘‘ Why, that caretaker is a nice old man. 
I’ve heard Mrs. Berry tell about him. His room is 
just opposite hers, two floors beneath this very room 
we’re in now. He has a parrot that chatters and 
annoys Mrs. Berry, but the old man is honest, I’m 
sure. And he’s too old to be agile enough to do such 
an acrobatic thing as you suggest.” 




CHAPTER XVII 


A CI.EVEJR IDEA 

T ed HOSMER looked at Dolly as she spoke, 
and a sudden light came into his eyes. 

‘‘ By Jiminy ! ” he said, and he drew a sharp lit- 
tle whistle. ‘‘ I say, Dolly, where is your Mrs. 
Berry ? ” 

‘‘ Oh, no, Ted,” Dolly laughed, “ you can’t connect 
Mrs. Berry with this matter any more than you can 
the Mortimers’ servants. Mrs. Berry didn’t do it.” 

I didn’t say she did,” returned Ted, smiling at 
her. “ But where is she, that’s all.” 

“ I don’t know. Probably in her room.” 

“ Take me there, will you ? I must see her at once. 
Why, I’ve got an idea ! ” 

“ Goodness, Ted ! ” exclaimed Geordie. “ What a 
strange piece of news ! ” 

“ Don’t he funny ! ” said Ted ; ‘‘ I say, Dolly, take 
me to speak to Mrs. Berry, won’t you.^* ” 

Why, of course, if you like, — come on.” 

Dolly led the way and Ted followed. The others 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


paid little attention, for Geordie was thinking out a 
new theory of how somebody could get across from 
the next house, by means of scuttles to the roofs on 
the front part of the houses. Of course, in front the 
houses were attached, but the back extensions were 
only one room wide, thus giving ground space for 
tiny back yards. 

A tap on Mrs. Berry’s door was answered, and the 
two were admitted. 

“ What is it ? ” and the housekeeper looked a little 
surprised at her visitors. 

“ May we look out of your window ? ” asked Ted, 
politely. 

“ Surely,” was the reply. “ But what for.? ” 

Ted, however, already had raised the window and 
was looking out. It was dark, or nearly, and the 
house next door showed a dim light in the room oppo- 
site the one they were in. 

The shade was down at the window, so they saw 
nothing of the room but a few indistinct shadows. 

“ Tell us something about the old caretaker next 
door, won’t you ? ” begged Ted, and Mrs. Berry re- 
sponded: “ Now, don’t suspect him! Why, old Joe 
is the most honest man in the city ! I’ve known him 


A CLEVER IDEA 


for years, and I’m sure he wouldn’t steal a pin ! Mr. 
Mortimer trusts him absolutely.” 

“ But tell us a little about him.” 

“ There’s nothing to tell, only that he stays there 
alone when the family go away. He lives, prac- 
tically, in the two rooms ; that room opposite and the 
kitchen. He has no company but his parrot; he 
makes a great pet of that.” 

“ A nice Polly.? ” 

“ A handsome bird, yes. But a nuisance with its 
continual squawking and chattering.” 

“ Thank you, Mrs. Berry ; I believe that’s all. 
Pardon our intrusion. We’ll go now. Come along, 
Dolly.” 

Dolly followed Ted from the room, and he said, 
“ Don’t go back upstairs yet. Come along with me.” 

“ Where.? ” 

“ Never mind. Come on,” and, making a gesture 
for her to be silent, Ted piloted her down the main 
staircase and out of the front door. 

‘‘ Gracious ! I won’t go another step till you tell 
me where we’re going ! ” 

‘‘ Of course I’ll tell you. We’re going next door. 
Come on ; you don’t need wraps ; it’s just a step.” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


Taking her hand, Ted led her down the Forbes’ 
steps and up those of the house next door. He rang 
the bell and they waited. In a moment, shuffling 
steps were heard and an old man opened the door. 

“That you, Joe.?” said Ted, pleasantly. “Let 
us come in for a moment, please.” 

“ I don’t know you, young sir, but if I’m not mis- 
taken, this is one of the little ladies from next 
door.” 

“ Quite right. We intend no harm, I assure you. 
Let us come in for a minute or two.” 

The old man let them enter and closed the door be- 
hind them. 

“ How’s your parrot.? ” asked Ted, conversation- 
ally. 

Old Joe looked surprised, but he answered courte- 
ously, “ Polly is well, as usual.” 

“ What kind of a bird is he? ” 

“ A parrot, sir.” 

“ I don’t mean that. Is he honest or — or given 
to thievery ? ” 

“ Oh, sir, he’s the thievingest beast in the world, 
that he is ! I don’t dare leave a thing around that 
I’m not willing for him to take if he wants it.” 


A CLEVER IDEA 


Yes, just so. And does he ever go out of this 
house? ” 

‘‘ No,— oh, no.” 

Ted’s face fell. Dolly’s, too, for she began to see 
what Ted had in mind. But if Polly never left the 
Mortimer house, surely he didn’t fly over and steal 
the earring. 

‘‘ Could I go up to the room where the bird is ? ” 
said Ted, trying to conceal his disappointment at the 
collapse of his theory. 

‘‘ Yes, sir, if you like, or I’ll bring the bird down 
here.” 

We’ll go up, please,” and Dolly and Ted followed 
the old man to the room on the second floor, which 
was opposite Mrs. Berry’s. 

They looked in and saw the bird in his cage, hang- 
ing from a bracket near the window. 

“ Pretty Polly,” said Ted, walking toward the 
cage. “ Nice Polly. Polly want a cracker? ” 

The bird cocked his head on one side, but said 
nothing. % 

“ And you’re sure he never leaves his cage? ” said 
Ted, examining the fastening on the cage door. 

“ Well, sir, he does leave his cage. I said he 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


doesn’t leave this house. That is, — not often. So 
seldom as to call it never.” 

‘‘ What do you mean by that ” 

“ Well, a few days ago, — I’m thinking it was Sun- 
day, — the bird let himself out of his cage. The 
latch broke, do you see, and he could push the door 
open with his claw. I came into the room, and 
there he was stalking up and down the floor with a 
knowing look. I soon found how he got out of the 
cage and I fixed the latch so he can’t do it again. I 
let him out often, but I’m not going to have him let- 
ting himself out.” 

“ Sunday, was it ? ” and Dolly’s eyes brightened as 
Ted went on with his questions. “ And you weren’t 
here when he got out of his cage ? ” 

‘‘ No, sir. But I came in soon and he was march- 
ing along the floor, winking at me.” 

“ And was the window open ? ” 

Old Joe stopped to think. No,” he said, finally, 
and Dolly gave a sigh of despair. If the window 
had been open, there was a possibility that Polly had 
been the thief. 

‘‘ Can he fly ? ” she put in. 

“Fly? Yes, that he can. That’s why I’m care- 


A CLEVER IDEA 


ful to keep him shut up here. I wouldn’t like him 
to fly over and annoy Mrs. Berry. He did that once 
a year ago, and the lady was right down mad about 
it.” 

“ Think again, J oe. Couldn’t this window have 
been open Sunday, when Polly got out of his cage.? ” 
‘‘Well, now, I do believe it was! Wasn’t Sunday 
that warm, pleasant day.? Yes.? Well, then, come 
to think of it, this here window was open! My! it 
was a good thing Mr. Polly didn’t walk out of it ! ” 

“ But that’s just what he did do, — I believe ! ” 
“What, sir.? What do you mean.?” 

“ Well, I’ll tell you. A small article has disap- 
peared from the house next door, from a room on 
this side, just above Mrs. Berry’s room. It’s a hard 
matter to find out what became of the thing, a small 
trinket of jewellery, and I’m in hopes that your bird 
flew over and took it, because that will let out cer- 
tain very much worried human beings ! ” 

“ Oh, I can’t think Polly did that ! ” 

“ Can he fly as far as to go up to that window 
two stories higher than this.? You say he can fly, 
but would he be likely to fly up? ” 

“ If so be that window was open he might. He’s 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


a born thief, that bird is. But in that case, what did 
he do with it? A jewel, you say? ” 

“ Yes, an old, very old earring.” 

“ Ah ! ” and Joe started ; “ of fine work, but all 
broken and bent ? ” 

‘‘ I don’t know. How about that, Dolly ? ” 

“ It was old, and it was fine gold work. But it 
wasn’t bent or broken.” 

Then it’s not the same,” said Joe. ‘‘ Polly has a 
lot of playthings, and some old imitation jewellery 
that Mrs. Mortimer lets him have because he loves 
such things. And it was Monday, yes, yesterday, he 
had an old piece of stuff that I didn’t remember seeing 
before, but I paid little attention to it. And it was 
that bent and twisted it can’t have been the thing 
you’re searching for. No, that it couldn’t.” 

“ I suppose not,” said Ted, but Dolly said, Let 
us see it, anyway, can’t you? Maybe Polly bent it 
up himself.” 

Old Joe went and searched through a lot of broken 
bits of metal things in a box on the table. 

“ Here it is,” he said. ‘‘ You see how it’s worn 
out ! ” 




A CLEVER IDEA 


“ That’s it! ” cried Dolly. “ Oh, Ted, tJiafs the 
earring ! Hooray I ” 

“Is it? Hooray!” shouted Ted. “Really, oh, 
it’s too good to be true! Polly must have taken it, 
Joe.” 

“ Yes, he must have done so, if Miss, here, says it’s 
the one. But let me figger it out. I s’pose when 
PoUy opened his cage door, the open window at- 
tracted him, and he flew out. Then as the other 
windows in the Forbes house were closed, he made for 
that one that was open. Was nobody in the room? ” 
“ No,” said Dolly, “ not when the jewel was taken. 
I left it on a table, near the window, and — ” 

“ Yes, Miss, I see ! Polly was tempted by the glit- 
tering thing; he loves glitter, and he snatched it up 
and flew right hack home with it. He hid it some- 
where; that’s his thievish nature, and when I came 
in here he was walking up and down the floor as inno- 
cent appearin’ as a lamb ! Oh, you wicked Polly ! ” 
“ Wick-ed Polly ! ” screeched the bird. “ Naughty 
Polly ! ” 

“Yes, very naughty Polly!” said Ted. “But a 
good Polly, after all, to get us out of our troubles ! ” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

“ Then, you see,” continued Old Joe, that vil- 
lainous bird, he hid his treasure, and when I let him 
out yesterday, just to fly around the room, he found 
it out again, and he bent and broke it all up.” 

“ Well, never mind ! ” Dolly cried, “ as long as we 
have it ! Oh, Ted, how clever of you to think of it ! 
I’m so glad! Come, letjs hurry home and tell about 
it! My, won’t they all rejoice! ” 

‘‘ Shall I go over and make my apologies to Mr. 
Forbes? ” asked Joe, anxiously. 

No ; at least, not now. Mr. Forbes won’t hold 
you at all to blame. It was merely coincidence that 
the bird happened to get out of his cage, just when 
the jewel lay there unprotected,” said Ted. 

And, he’d taken something else if he hadn’t found 
that. Anything glittering or sparkling catches his 
eye, and he steals it. But ’tis seldom he gets a 
chance outside the house.” 

« Why do you keep such a bird ? ” asked Dolly. 

“ He isn’t mine. I wouldn’t care to have him. 
He belongs to Mrs. Mortimer, and she only laughs 
at his thievin’ traits. She thinks they’re cunning. 
So, I must needs take good care of him. f’Twas care- 
less of me to leave the window open, and him here 
-C250> 


A CLEVER IDEA 


alone. But I didn’t think he could break loose from 
his cage. I’m thinkin’ the door was ajar.” 

“ Well, we’re much obliged to you and to Polly. 
Oh, just think if you hadn’t reasoned it out, Ted, we 
never would have known the truth! You see, Joe 
thought the earring was one of Polly’s own belong- 
ings, so, of course, he never would have paid any at- 
tention to it.” 

“ That I wouldn’t. Miss. I supposed it was some 
of the trinkets the missus gave him. She buys ’em 
for him at the five-and-ten. He breaks ’em as fast 
as he gets ’em ! ” 

I hope this can be straightened out, and I think 
it can,” said Dolly, as she looked at the bent gold 
work. 

“ I’m sure it can,” agreed Ted, ‘‘ but anyway, it 
solves the mystery and clears you girls! Hooray! 
Hurroo ! ! Come on, let’s go and tell them all.” 

The two dashed into the Forbes house next door, 
and found the rest of them down in the drawing room, 
wondering what had become of Dolly and Ted. 

With a beaming face and dancing eyes, Dolly went 
straight to Mr. Forbes and dangled the bent and 
twisted earring before his surprised countenance. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

Bless my soul ! ” he cried, as he saw it. “ Did 
you — where did you find it ? ” 

Dolly realised that he had been about to say, Did 
you decide to own up? ” or something like that, and 
she was glad that he changed his sentence. 

‘‘ Next door! ” she exclaimed, for Ted stood back 
and let her have the pleasure of telling. “ That old 
parrot came and stole it I 

“ Oh I the parrot 1 ” cried Mr. Forbes. “ Why, of 
course! I see it all! Why didn’t I think of that? 
Once before, I saw that bird light on my window sill, 
and I shooed him off. Strange I didn’t think of that 
solution ! ” 

“ TeU us more ! ” cried Dotty ; “ who thought of 
a parrot? Whose parrot is it? How did he get 
in? When? ” 

Wait a minute. Dot,” said Dolly, laughing, “ and 
I’ll tell you all about it. You tell some, Ted, I’m 
all out of breath ! ” 

So Ted told the whole story of their visit to the 
next house. 

And I thought it was n. g. when the old chap 
said the window in his room wasn’t open. Also, 
when he said the bird never left that house, I thought 


A CLEVER IDEA 


again we were off the track. But when we went on to 
discuss the matter, and he said the bird was a horn 
thief, and also he finally remembered that his window 
was open on Sunday afternoon, why I felt sure we 
had found the culprit. Then, the old fellow pro- 
duced the earring, which he had seen, but had 
scarcely noticed, thinking it was some of the bird’s 
own junk. It seems Polly also collects antiques ! ” 

“ Well, well, Hosmer, my boy, you did well to think 
of such a solution to our mystery! What put you 
on the track in the first place ” 

“ I think it was the birds of your collection, sir. 
I’m very fond of birds and bird study, and I know a 
lot about parrots, and their ways. Well, seeing all 
your stuffed birds, put birds in my head, I suppose ; 
any way, when DoUy spoke of a parrot next door 
that annoyed Mrs. Berry, I thought right away of 
how that Polly bird would like to grab a gold trinket 
if he had a good chance. So I looked up his chances, 
and I began to realise that if your window was open, 
the one in the other house might have been too. Sun- 
day was such a warn, pleasant day. So, I looked 
into matters a little, and concluded we’d better go 
over there. I didn’t say what we were going for. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

because it might easily have turned out a wild goose 
chase — ” 

‘‘ Instead of a wild parrot chase ! ” said Alicia. 
“ Oh, isn’t it just fine that it’s found ! ” 

“ I guess old Fenn will be surprised,” said Dotty, 
with an angry shake of her dark head. “ He tried 
his best to fasten it on Dolly — ” 

“ Fasten the earring on? ” asked Geordie Knapp, 
laughing. 

“No; I did that myself,” rejoined Dolly. “Oh, 
Uncle Forbes, you didn’t think I took it, did you ? ” 
“ I didn’t know what to think. No thought of 
that bird caipe into my mind. And so I had to 
cudgel my brain to think how it did disappear. For 
I had to know ! Yes, I positively had to know ! ” 

“ Of course,” agreed Bernice. “ You didn’t want 
to lose that jewel.” 

“ It wasn’t only that, there was another reason, 
a reason that I’ll tell you some day.” 




CHAPTER XVIII 


FOUR CELEBRATIONS 

N ext morning at breakfast, each of the four 
girls found a note at her plate. The notes 
were all alike, and they read: 

Mr. Jefferson Forbes, because of his great delight 
over the discovery of his lost piece of property, in- 
vites you to a celebration occasion, to-morrow, 
Thursday evening. Mr. Forbes would say, also, that 
he has obtained the consent of all interested parents, 
that you may stay till Saturday. Mr. Jefferson 
Forbes will be glad of suggestions as to what form 
said celebration shall assume. 

They all laughed at the formal style and stilted 
language of the notes, and were amazed at the in- 
formation that they were to make a longer visit than 
they had thought. 

Mrs. Berry smiled at the shower of questions that 
followed the reading of the notes, but she only said, 
“ Don’t ask me, my dears. After breakfast, Mr. 
-C255> 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


Forbes will meet you in the reception room and dis- 
cuss it.” 

So a merry group of four awaited the coming of 
their host in the pretty little reception room. 

“ Good morning,” he said, cheerily, as he entered, 
“ What an attractive bunch of humanity ! Four 
smiling faces and eight bright eyes! I greet you 
all.” 

With an old-fashioned bow, he took a seat near 
them, and asked, “ Did you receive certain impor- 
tant documents ? ” 

“We did,” replied Bernice. “ May we have fur- 
ther enlightenment ? ” 

“ You may, and first I will remove that anxious 
look from Dolly’s face, by saying that her mother is 
perfectly willing that she should stay here the rest 
of the week.” 

“ Oh, goody ! ” cried Dolly. “ How did you ask 
her.^^ By telephone? ” 

“ Yes. So pleased was I over the developments of 
last evening, that I telephoned all the powers that 
be, and arranged for an extension to our house party. 
Are you glad ? ” 




FOUR CELEBRATIONS 

“Indeed we are,” chorused the girls, and Uncle 
Jeff went on. 

“ Now, our celebration is to be just whatever you 
want. And if you don’t all want the same thing, you 
can all have different things. So just state your 
preferences.” 

“ I know mine,” said Alicia. “ It is to go to 
Muriel Brown’s party on Friday night. She asked 
us, and I’d love to go.” 

“That’s one,” said her uncle. “Of course you 
can all go to the party. Now, Bernice, what do you 
choose.^ ” 

“ I’d like to go to the opera,” said Bernice. 
“ Grand opera, I mean. I’ve never been but once, 
and I’d love to go.” 

“Good! We’ll go to-night. If you all agree.?’ ” 

They certainly did agree to that, and then Mr. 
Forbes asked the two D’s to choose. 

“ I want to go to the Metropolitan Museum, — 
with you ! ” said Dolly, half afraid to ask such a 
boon. But Mr. Forbes seemed pleased, and declared 
he would be delighted to go with her, and explain the 
exhibits and the others could go or not, as they 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


liked. All decided in favour of going, and then Dotty 
was asked to choose. 

Don’t laugh at me,” said Dotty, ‘‘ but I’d like 
to have a party. Only, not a big one. Just us four 
girls, and the four boys, that we know the best; 
Geordie, Ted, Marly Turner and Sam Graves. I 
like that sort of a party better than the big, dressy 
ones.” 

“ Why, Dot Rose ! ” exclaimed Alicia, “ I thought 
you liked the big dances.” 

“ So I do, if I knew the people. But I think it 
would be lots of fun to have a few, and have a less 
formal party. I’d like* to ask Muriel Brown, and 
two or three of those girls we met with her, the other 
day, and then, have a few more boys; but not a 
hundred, like Muriel had.” 

A good plan,” said Mr. Forbes, “ because you 
couldn’t invite a large party on such short notice. 
So, make out your list. Dotty, and invite them by 
telephone at once. Mrs. Berry will help you, and 
will arrange all details. Let me see, you can have 
that party to-morrow night; go to the opera to- 
night; go to Muriel’s party on Friday night, and 
go home on Saturday. The museum we can visit any 


FOUR CELEBRATIONS 


afternoon. I thank you for your kind attention.” 

‘‘ Oh, Uncle Jeff, we thank you for your kindness, 
all of it,” cried Alicia. You have been so very good 
to us, and now you are doing a lot more for our 
pleasure.” 

“Have you enjoyed it all, so far, Alicia?” and 
her uncle looked at her inquiringly. 

“ Oh, yes, sir, indeed I have ! I was troubled about 
the lost earring, but that was not your fault.” 

“ Nor the fault of any of you girls,” said Mr. 
Forbes. “ As I have hinted to you, I have a reason 
for this visit you are making me, beside a desire to 
give you pleasure. I am considering a serious mat- 
ter and this stay of yours in my house is helping me 
to a decision.” 

“ What can it be. Uncle? ” cried Bernice. “ Tell 
us, so we can help you more, and more intelligently.” 

“ I will tell you Saturday morning,” he returned 
with a smile. “ Perhaps in that time other develop- 
ments may occur that will alter my final decision in 
the matter.” 

“ It sounds most mysterious,” laughed Dolly, 
“ can’t we guess what it’s all about ? ” 

“ You may guess, if you like, but I don’t promise 

-{:S59> 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


to tell you if you guess correctly. And I don’t mind 
adding, that I feel pretty sure you couldn’t guess 
correctly, if you tried ! ” 

“No use trying, then ! ” said Alicia, gaily. “ Oh, 
I’m so glad we’re going to stay longer. I want to 
do a lot of things beside the celebrations we’ve just 
planned. I do think you’re the best and kindest 
uncle in the whole world! I’ve got a secret, too, 
and some day I’m going to tell it to you all.” 

“ Secrets seem to be the order of the day,” 
laughed Dolly ; “ we’ll have to scrape up one, Dot.” 

“ Well, it’s no secret that we’re having one grand, 
glorious, good time I ” said Dotty. “ What’s on for 
this morning? ” 

Mr. Forbes went off to his own room then, and the 
girls planned out all they should do for the rest of 
their stay in the city. 

There was some shopping, some sight-seeing and 
some errands yet undone but they at last agreed on 
a programme that would suit everybody. 

Dotty’s party, as they called it, took place on 
Thursday night, and she had her way about having it 
a small gathering. There were about twenty in all, 


FOUR CELEBRATIONS 


and according to Dotty’s wishes it was not only a 
dancing party. There were games as well as dances, 
for Dotty loved games. 

Some of the city young people were at first in- 
clined to laugh at the idea of games, but when they 
began to take part in these that Dotty had planned 
they became exceedingly interested. 

One was an “ Observation Test,” up in Mr. Forbes’ 
museum. 

At Dotty’s request, he had allowed the collection 
rooms to be opened to the guests, and this very spe- 
cial dispensation was so appreciated by all that they 
were most exceedingly careful not to handle the rare 
specimens or touch the exhibits. 

This state of things lent itself beautifully to the 
game. Each player was asked to walk about for 
half an hour and look at the curios and treasures, 
and at the expiration of the time, to return to the 
drawing room, and spend ten minutes writing down 
the names of such objects as could be remembered. 

This game, most of them had played before, with 
a table full of less interesting exhibits. But in the 
wonderful museum rooms of Mr. Forbes it was quite 
another story. 




TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


So eagerly did the young people observe and ex- 
amine the things, that the half hour allotted for that 
purpose slipped away all too soon. 

And then they sat down to write their lists, and 
that too proved an absorbing occupation. 

Our four girls wrote lists, just for fun, but did 
not compete for the prizes, as, knowing the exhibits 
so well, that would not have been fair. 

Muriel Brown took the first prize, and the hostesses 
were glad of it for it was pleasant to have Muriel so 
honoured. 

The prize was a gold penholder, and the boys’ 
prize, which Marly Turner won, was a similar gift. 

After it was over, another game was played. This 
was ribbon cutting. 

Girls and boys, stood at either end of the long 
drawing-room. To each girl was given the end of 
a piece of long, narrow ribbon, and a pair of scissors. 
The other end of each ribbon was held by a boy, 
who likewise had a pair of scissors. 

At a signal, each player started cutting the rib- 
bon straight through the middle. If the scissors 
slipped and cut through the selvage, ihe player was 
out of the game. It was not easy, for the ribbon 


FOUR CELEBRATIONS 


was narrow, and there was a strong impulse to 
hurry, which made for crooked cutting. The middle 
of each piece of ribbon was marked by a knot, and 
whoever reached the knot first, was the winner of 
that pair. The one who finished first of all, re- 
ceived a special prize. 

The game caused great laughter and sport, and 
the city young people declared they enjoyed it quite 
as much as dancing. 

Then the feast was served, and very beautiful and 
elaborate it was. The celebration, Mr. Forbes had 
said, was to be especially for the two D’s, as it was 
Dotty’s choice, and Dolly’s choice of a visit to the 
museum provided little opportunity for gaiety. 

The table showed two great floral D’s, one at either 
end. Dotty’s was made of red roses, and Dolly’s of 
pink roses. Every guest had as a souvenir, some 
pretty and valuable little trinket, and at every place 
was a small D made of flowers. 

Cakes, ices, jellies, and all such things as could 
be so shaped, were cut in the form of D’s, and our 
two girls felt greatly honoured to see their initial so 
prominently and beautifully displayed. 

In the centre of the table was a huge French Doll, 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


of the finest type. It was dressed in silk covered 
with polka dots, and its hat and parasol were of 
silk to match. 

Everybody laughed when Mr. Forbes pointed out 
that it was Dotty Dolly! And all agreed it was a 
most clever and appropriate symbol. 

After supper there was dancing, and a fine or- 
chestra furnished the music. Our girls liked dancing 
pretty well, but often they sat out a dance talking to 
one or another of their guests. 

Once, as Dolly passed along the hall, chatting with 
Geordie Knapp, they heard rather loud voices behind 
the closed door of the little reception room. 

Rather surprised that the door should be shut at 
all, that evening, Dolly paused involuntarily, and 
Geordie stood by her side. They had no intention of 
eavesdropping ; indeed, Geordie thought perhaps some 
new game was about to be announced. 

But to Dolly’s amazement, she heard Alicia’s voice 
saying, ‘‘ Oh, I cannot ! I dare not I ” 

The tones were quivering with emotion, and Dolly 
couldn’t help listening for the next words. She 
feared Alicia was troubled about something; indeed, 
she didn’t know what she feared. 


FOUR CELEBRATIONS 


And, next came a voice that was unmistakably 
Marly Turner’s, saying, “ Do, dear ! Oh, trust me, 
— I will take care of you ! ” 

“ But it is a desperate step ! ” exclaimed Alicia, 
“ if I should ever regret it ! ” 

You will not regret it, dearest,” Marly said, “ I 
will never let you regret it! Your own mother 
eloped; it is fitting you should do so, too.” 

Dolly looked at Geordie, her face white with 
horror. 

Alicia, planning an elopement! And with Marly 
Turner ! She laid her hand on the knob of the door. 

Don’t ! ” said Geordie, don’t you get mixed up 
in a thing like that! Is Alicia Steele that sort of 
a girl ? ” 

‘‘ I don’t know,” faltered Dolly. I heard Bernice 
hint once that Alicia’s mother did elope with her 
father, — but, Alicia! Why, she isn’t seventeen, 
yet ! ” 

“ Well, that’s old enough to know what she’s 
about. I advise you, Dolly, not to go in there. Tell 
Mr. Forbes, if you like.” 

Oh, I couldn’t tell on Alicia ! ” 

And, then, as they still stood there, too fascinated 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


to move away, Alicia said, ‘‘Yes, to-morrow night. 
I will steal out after the house is quiet, — oh, my 
hero ! my idol ! ” 

“ My angel ! ” exclaimed Marly, in a deep, thrilled 
voice, and Dolly turned away, sick at heart. 

“ I don’t know what to do ! ” she said to Geordie, 
as they went on to the drawing room, where the 
dancers were. 

“ Don’t do anything,” he advised. “ It’s none of 
your business. That Steele girl isn’t like you, she’s 
a different type. If she wants to cut up such 
didoes, don’t you mix in it. Let her alone. I knew 
Marly liked her, — he said so, — but I didn’t suppose 
he’d do such a thing as that! But I shan’t say a 
word to him. We’re good friends, but not chums. 
Marly’s a good chap, but he’s awfully anxious to act 
grown up, and my stars ! he’s doing so ! Elope with 
the Steele girl ! Jiminy I ” 

“ I can’t bear to tell on Alicia,” said Dolly, “ and 
yet, I can’t think I ought to let her go ahead and 
do this thing. She’s so fond of romance, and ex- 
citement, she doesn’t realise what she’s doing.” 

Later on, Dolly saw Alicia and young Turner 
emerge from the reception room, and saunter toward 

•C 266 > 


FOUR CELEBRATIONS 


the drawing room. They were talking earnestly, in 
whispers. Alicia’s cheeks were pink, and her man- 
ner a little excited. Marly looked important, and 
bore himself with a more grown up air than usual. 

Dolly and Geordie looked at each other, and shook 
their heads. It was only too evident that the two 
were planning some secret doings. They went off by 
themselves and sat on a davenport in a corner of the 
room, and continued to converse in whispers, oblivi- 
ous to all about them. 

Dolly and Geordie purposely walked past the other 
pair, and distinctly heard Marly say something 
about a rope ladder. 

“ It’s part of the performance,” he urged, as 
Alicia seemed to demur. 

Then she smiled sweetly at him, and said, “ All 
right, then, just as you say.” 

“ It’s perfectly awful ! ” said Dolly, as they walked 
on. “ I’ve simply got to tell Dotty, anyway.” 

Oh, I wouldn’t,” expostulated Geordie ; I don’t 
believe they’ll pull it off. Somebody will catch on 
and put a stop to it.” 

“ Maybe and maybe not,” said Dolly, dubiously. 
‘‘ Alicia is awfully clever, and if she sets out to do 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


a thing, she generally carries it through. And her 
head is full of crazy, romantic thoughts. She’d 
rather elope than to go back to school, I know she 
would. She told me she’d do anything to get out of 
going back to school.” 

“ That makes it look serious,” agreed Geordie. 

Still I don’t think you ought to mix yourself up in 
it, unless you just tell the whole story to Mr. Forbes.” 

“ I hate to be a tattle-tale,” and Dolly looked 
scornful. ‘‘ But if it’s for Alicia’s good, maybe I 
ought to.” 

“ Look at them now ! Their heads close together, 
and whispering like everything ! ” 

‘‘ Yes, they’re planning for their getaway 1 ” 

During the rest of the evening, Dolly watched 
Alicia, feeling mean to do it, and yet unable to keep 
herself from it. 

At last the guests went home, one and all exclaim- 
ing at the good time they had had. Marly Turner 
bade Dolly good night, with a smiling face. I’ve 
had the time of my life ! ” he declared. 

I’ve not seen much of you,” said Dolly, pointedly. 

‘‘I know it. Too bad! I wanted to dance 'with 
you oftener, but the time was so short.” 


FOUR CELEBRATIONS 


“ And you found another charmer? ” 

“Well, Alicia sure is a wonder, isn’t she? You 
know she is ! ” 

“ Yes, she is,” said Dolly, and for the life of her, 
she couldn’t frown on the happy-hearted youth. 

Marly went ofF, and the others followed. 

“ I’m not going to talk things over to-night,” said 
Dolly, when the four were alone. “ I’m tired, and 
I’m going straight to bed.” 




CHAPTER XIX 


alicia’s secret 

T he time seemed fairly to fly. Each of the four 
girls had some last few errands to do, each 
wanted some little souvenirs for herself, or for her 
people at home, and so busy were they that there was 
not so much mutual conversation among them as 
usual. 

They were to go home on Saturday. And already 
it was Friday afternoon. They had finished lunch- 
eon, Alicia and Bernice had gone to their room, and 
Dolly was about to go upstairs, when she remem- 
bered that she had planned to run in and say good- 
bye to old Joe and his parrot. 

Dolly felt she owed a debt of gratitude to Polly, 
and she had bought a little toy for him. 

“ I’m going to run in next door a minute,” she said 
to Mrs. Berry. 

“ Very well, my dear. Here’s a cracker for Polly.” 
Dolly took it laughingly, and went out to the hall. 


ALICIA’S SECRET 


“Put your coat round you,” called out Mrs. 
Berry. “ It’s only a step, I know, but it’s a very 
cold day.” 

“ Oh, Dot just took my coat upstairs, with her 
own. Well, here’s Alicia’s hanging on the haU rack. 
I’ll throw this round me.” 

She did so, and ran out of the front door and up 
the steps of the next house. 

Old Joe answered her ring at the bell. 

“Just ran over to say good-bye,” laughed Dolly, 
“ and to bring a cracker and a toy for Polly.” 

“ Thank you. Miss,” and Joe smiled at her. “ I’ll 
bring the bird down to you. Ma’am, to save your 
going upstairs.” 

“ All right,” said Dolly, a little absent-mindedly, 
for she was thinking of a lot of things at once. 

Still absentmindedly, she put her hand in her coat 
pocket for a handkerchief. There was none there, 
and she drew out a letter instead. Then she sud- 
denly remembered she had on Alicia’s coat, and with 
a glance at the envelope, she thrust the letter back in 
the pocket. But that one glance sufficed to show her 
it was in Marly Turner’s handwriting. 

She had had a note from him a day or two ago. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


inviting her to some party or other, and his striking, 
sprawling penmanship was unmistakable. The letter 
had been opened, and Dolly remembered that Alicia 
had had several letters in the mail that morning. 

It all recalled to her the talk she had overheard 
the night before. All that morning Alicia had seemed 
preoccupied, and twice she had gone off by herself 
to telephone in a booth, which the girls rarely used, 
for they had no secrets from one another. 

Dolly thought over the situation between Alicia 
and young Turner. She had not told Dotty yet. 
She had two minds about doing so. It seemed to 
her one minute that she had no right to interfere in 
Alicia’s affairs and then again, it seemed as if she 
ought to tell Mr. Forbes what was going on. 

She had heard Alicia say to Marly that they would 
elope that very night, and she felt sure they meant 
to do so. 

They were all going to Muriel Brown’s party, that 
being Alicia’s own choice of the celebrations.” 
Would she elope from the party, or return home first? 
The latter, probably, for they had mentioned a rope 
ladder, and that seemed as if Alicia meant to go late 
at night when all the others were asleep. If she ran 


ALICIA’S SECRET 


away from the party there would be no need of a rope 
ladder. 

Dolly had asked Bernice if Alicia’s mother had 
eloped, and Bernice had said she thought she had, 
though she had never heard any of the particulars. 

And then Joe came down with the parrot, and 
DoUy forgot Alicia and her elopement for the mo- 
ment. 

Polly showed great delight over his gifts, and after 
a few words of good-bye to the bird and to old Joe, 
Dolly ran back again. 

In the hall she took off Alicia’s coat and hung it 
on the rack just as Alicia herself appeared on the 
stairs. 

Where you been ? ” she called out gaily. 

Next door,” said Dolly, ‘‘ to say a fond farewell 
to Polly Mortimer. And as my coat was upstairs, 
I took the liberty of wearing yours.” 

“ That’s all right,” laughed Alicia, ‘‘ you’re wel- 
come to it, I’m sure. Oh, I say, Dolly, there’s a let- 
ter in the pocket of it! I hope you didn’t read 
it!” 

“ Alicia Steele ! You ought to be ashamed of your- 
self to hint at such a thing ! ” 

<27s:y 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


There, there, don’t flare up over nothing ! I 
only said I hoped you didn’t. Did you ? ” 

I consider that question insulting ! ” 

“ Yes, people often get out of answering, that way ! 
Now, you haven’t answered me yet. Did you or did 
you not read that letter that’s in the pocket of my 
coat.^ ” 

‘‘ I did not! But I’ve my opinion of a girl who 
could even think I’d do such a thing ! ” 

Well, you had plenty of time, and when you were 
in next door, would have been a good opportunity. 
I’m not sure I believe you even yet. You’re blushing 
like fury ! ” 

‘‘Who wouldn’t, at being insulted like that! I 
don’t think you can have much sense of honour your- 
self, to think anybody decent would read another 
person’s letter 1 ” 

“ Now, don’t get huffy, little goldilocks ! ” and 
Alicia laughed at her. “ I had to be sure, you see, 
because it’s a most important matter, and I wouldn’t 
have anybody know for the world, — until I get ready 
to tell, myself.” 

“ And when will you be ready to tell.? ” DoUy 


ALICIA’S SECRET 


tried to speak lightly, but the words nearly choked 
her. 

“ I dunno. Maybe you’ll know about it to-mor- 
row.” 

“ Oh, Alicia — ” Dolly meant to speak a word of 
warning or of pleading, indeed she didn’t quite know 
what she was going to say, but just then. Dotty and 
Bernice came down stairs, and proposed they aU go 
for a motor ride, and a last visit to the pretty tea- 
room. 

Dolly agreed, but Alicia didn’t seem quite willing. 

“ I’m expecting a telephone message,” she said, 
at last. You girls go on, and leave me at home. 
I shan’t mind.” 

“ Oh, no,” said Dotty, ‘‘ we four can’t be together 
after to-day. We mustn’t be separated this last day 
of all. Come on, ’Licia.” 

“ But it’s an important message,” and Alicia looked 
anxious. 

“ Can I be of help ? ” said Mrs. Berry, coming to- 
ward them. 

“ Yes,” cried Dotty, ‘‘ let Mrs. Berry take the 
message, and tell her what answer to make.” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“No answer,” said Alicia, slowly, and a pink flush 
rose to her cheeks. “ But just take the message, if 
you please, dear Mrs. Berry. It will be short, I 
know. Jot it down, lest you forget the exact word- 
ing.” 

Mrs. Berry promised and the four ran away to get 
ready for their last afternoon together. 

“ Dress up pretty, girls,” Alicia called from her 
room. “No telling whom we might meet at the tea- 
room.” 

“ That’s so,” said Dotty ; “ put on your Dresden 
silk, Doll.” 

Dolly laughingly agreed, and the four dressed-up 
young ladies started olF. 

A few calls at various shops, a few stops to look 
once more at certain points of interest they admired, 
and then for a long drive through the parks, and 
finally to the tearoom. 

“ How short the time has been,” said Bernice, as 
they flew along. 

“ Yes,” assented Alicia, “ it doesn’t seem possible 
we’ve been here as long as we have. Oh, I don’t want 
to go home. I wish I could live in New York, I just 
love it ! ” 




ALICIA’S SECRET 


‘‘ I like it,” said Dolly, ‘‘ but I don’t want to live 
here. I’d like to come here oftener than I do, 
though.” 

At the tearoom they found Janet Knapp and 
Corinne Bell, two girls whom they had come to know 
very pleasantly. 

Sit here with us,” called out Janet, as they en- 
tered. “We haven’t ordered yet, — what do you 
girls want ? ” 

“ Cafe frappe for me,” said Dotty, “ and waffles.” 

“ Thick chocolate and whipped cream for mine,” 
said Alicia. “ Oh, when shall I ever get these lovely 
things again Think of going back to boarding- 
school diet ! ” 

“ Don’t you have good things to eat at that nice 
school ? ” asked Dolly. 

“ Oh, good enough, but not lovely, fancy things 
like these.” 

“ I’d like to go to boarding-school,” said Janet, 
“ but mother doesn’t want me away from home. She 
thinks girls get no home training at those fashion- 
able schools.” 

“ We don’t, and that’s a fact,” admitted Alicia. 
« We’re taught manners and, oh, well, I s’pose it’s up 


( 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


to the girl herself, as to what she learns. Maybe I 
won’t go back to school, after all.” 

‘‘ Oh, Alicia,” cried Bernice, “ what do you mean? ” 

“ Oh, nothing,” and Alicia smiled as she tossed her 
head. “ I’ve got a secret. I can’t tell you now. 
Maybe you’ll know soon.” 

Dolly looked at Alicia, in bewilderment. Could 
she be referring to her intended elopement with Marly 
Turner? 

“ Good gracious ! What do you mean ? ” and 
Janet laughed. 

Never mind,” returned Alicia, airily, “ don’t ask 
me any questions. You know they call me ‘that 
awful Alicia ! ’ So be prepared for anything.” 

Dolly grew thoughtful. Only she and Geordie 
Knapp held the secret of Alicia’s strange remarks, 
and she couldn’t decide whether it was her duty to tell 
anyone of her knowledge or not. She made up her 
mind to tell Mrs. Berry, as soon as she went home, 
and then she had compunctions about that, for Dolly 
was very conscientious and she really didn’t know 
what was right to do. 

“ I go to an awfully nice school,” Corinne Bell 
said. “ It’s quite near my house and I can go alone 


ALICIA’S SECRET 


every day. We have such interesting teachers, and 
such a jolly lot of girls. You’d love it, Alicia.” 

‘‘ Yes, I’d love it, but how could I go there It 
isn’t a boarding school, is it.?’ ” 

“No; but couldn’t you board somewhere in New 
York.? ” 

“ Alone ! No, I should say not ! You know I live 
out in the western wilds, at least the middle western 
wilds, and I think they’re wilder than the far west. 
This little New York visit is all poor Alicia will see 
of the glittering metropolis for, — oh, well, it may be 
for years and it may be forever! ” 

“ What do you do in vacation time.? ” asked Janet. 

“ Oh, Dad and I go to summery places. Couldn’t 
come to New York then, you know. But when I get 
married, I’m going to live in New York, you can bet 
on that ! ” 

“You’re not thinking of marrying soon, I hope,” 
and Janet laughed. 

“Never can tell!” said Alicia, smiling saucily. 
“ I have all sorts of wonderful schemes in my noddle. 
Some of ’em materialise, — some don’t. But trust 
little Alicia to do something big! Oh, girls, my 
secret is just too splendid!” 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


“Is it — is it all right?” and Dolly stammered, 
as she looked at Alicia with a doubtful glance. 

“ Is it all right ! You little sanctimonious-eyed 
prude! You bet it’s all right! Maybe we’ll meet 
again, Janet. You can’t ’most always sometimes 
tell.” 

“ I hope you’ll come to Berwick to visit me, 
Alicia,” said Bernice ; “ I think as we’re cousins we 
ought to see more of each other.” 

“ I’d love to, Bernie. Maybe I’ll come this sum- 
mer.” 

“We could have a sort of reunion at our house,” 
went on Bernice ; “ Muriel and you girls could come 
for a few days, and the two D’s and I would be there, 
and we’d scare up a lot of fun.” 

“ ’Deed we would ! I’ll surely come if it can be 
arranged. But I never know Dad’s plans from one 
day to the next,” Alicia said. 

“ Hello, girls,” sang out a boyish voice, and in 
came Geordie Knapp with half a dozen comrades. 
“We just sorter, kinder thought we’d see a bunch 
of peaches here about this time o’ day! Hello, 
everybody ! ” 

Marly Turner was not among the group, and 


ALICIA’S SECRET 


Dolly looked anxiously at Geordie, as if to ask him 
what he knew concerning him. 

“ What is it, Dolly ” asked Geordie, with a blank 
look. 

“ Secret ! ” laughed Dolly, ‘‘ come over here and 
whisper to me.’^ 

Oh, how rude ! ” cried Alicia ; “ even out West we 
don’t whisper in polite society ! ” 

“ But this is a special case,” and Dolly smiled and 
dimpled, as if about to discuss the most trivial sub- 
ject with Geordie. 

The boy looked surprised when Dolly spoke to him 
about what they had overheard the night before. 

“ WThy,” he said, “ I never gave it another 
thought ! I don’t believe they really meant what we 
thought they did.” 

“ Yes, they did,” asserted Dolly. “ AU day, 
Alicia has been keyed up to some great excitement. 
She had a letter from Marly this morning, and she 
expects a telephone from him. Also, she said things 
that could only mean that they really are going to 
elope to-night.” 

“ Such as what? ” 

She said maybe she’d live in New York soon. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


and said she had a big, wonderful secret and we’d 
know it to-morrow, — why, she even said she expects 
to live in New York after she’s married ! ” 

‘‘ Whew ! that’s going some ! Still, Dolly, I don’t 
just see what we can do.” 

“ I think 1 ought to tell Mr. Forbes, don’t you ” 

“ I don’t know. I do hate tell other people’s 
secrets.” 

‘‘Yes; so do I. Perhaps I’ll just tell Mrs. 
Berry.” 

“ I say, I’ve an idea ! Suppose 1 get hold of 
Turner, and get him to go home and spend the eve- 
ning with me. I’ll insist upon it, you know, and if 
he objects, I’ll ask him what’s up.” 

“Oh, yes, Geordie, that will be fine! You do 
that, will you ? ” 

“ Yes ; suppose I telephone him now, and ask him.” 

“ Go ahead, and then tell me what he says.” 

Geordie excused himself and went off to the tele- 
phone booth. 

“ You seem to have a lot of secrets, too, Dolly,” 
said Alicia. 

“ Yes, I have,” and Dolly looked demure. “ Can’t 
let you have all the fun, ’Licia.” 


ALICIA’S SECRET 


‘‘ Nothing doing,” Geordie reported to Dolly, 
he came back, and his face looked more serious. He 
made an opportunity to speak to her alone again, 
and he said, “ I got him all right, and he said he 
couldn’t see me this evening, for he’s awful busy. 
Said he was busy with his father.” 

His father ! Why, Mr. Turner is an actor, isn’t 
he? ” 

“ Sure he is, one of the best.” 

“ Then how can Marly be with him ? Isn’t Mr. 
Turner acting ” 

“ Not just now. He’s rehearsing, I think.” 

Well, I believe Marly made that up. He’s plan- 
ning the elopement.” 

‘‘ I’m afraid he is. He was sort of queer and 
didn’t answer as straightforwardly as he usually 
does. Oh, what a silly performance to cut up! 
Why, they’re just a couple of kids I ” 

“ I know it. I never was mixed up in a thing like 
this before.” 

You’re not mixed up in this.” 

‘‘No; not unless I mix in purposely. And I be- 
lieve I shall have to. You see, I’m only a country 
girl, and I don’t know what’s right to do in this case. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


But I’m going to follow my instinct, and tell either 
Mr. Forbes or Mrs. Berry. I don’t think I’ll tell 
Dot or Bernice, for they’d have no more knowledge 
of what’s right to do, than I have myself.” 

“ You’re a good deal of a trump, Dolly Fayre. 
But I think you’re in a hard place. I wish I could 
help you, and I’ll do anything you say.” 

“ Couldn’t you go to Mr. Turner ? ” 

“ I’d hate to. Yer see, us fellows don’t tell on 
each other, — it isn’t done — ” 

“ I know. Well, let’s hope we’re mistaken.” 

“ But I don’t see how we can be, — after what we 
heard.” 

‘‘ Neither do I. I’ve a mind to speak straight out 
to Alicia about it.” 

“ Do, if you think best.” 

« WeU, I’ll see.” 




CHAPTER XX 



UNCLE Jeff’s four friends 

S TILL uncertain what she’d do, Dolly went home 
with the rest of the quartette. 

Alicia was in high spirits, constantly exclaiming, 
“ Oh, if you only knew what I know ! ” or “ I’m terri- 
bly excited over my secret! Just you wait till to- 
morrow ! ” or some such speech. 

And as they entered the Forbes house she flew to 
'Mrs. Berry demanding to know if a telephone mes- 
sage had arrived for her. 

“ Yes,” replied the good-natured housekeeper. 
“ Marly Turner called up, and he asked me to tell 
you that everything was all right, and he’d pull it 
off to-night, sure.” 

“ Oh, goody I ” cried Alicia, “ are you sure that’s 
just what he said.^ ” 

Yes,” asseverated Mrs. Berry, ‘‘ see, I wrote it 
down, so I shouldn’t forget.” 

Dolly had to eavesdrop a little to overhear this 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

conversation, as Alicia had drawn Mrs. Berry aside, 
to make her inquiries,^ And it was with a heavy 
heart that Dolly went upstairs to lay off her wraps. 

“ Oh, girls, I’m so happy ! ” cried Alicia, as she 
flung herself into a chair. “ But don’t ask me why, 
for I refuse to tell you. Now, do we dress for to- 
night’s party before dinner or after.^ ” 

“ Before, please^” said Mrs. Berry, who had fol- 
lowed the girls to their rooms. “ Mr. Forbes asked 
me to tell you that he wants an interview in the 
drawing-room before you go to Muriel’s, and so 
you’d better be dressed.” 

“ Ah, those drawing-room interviews ! ” exclaimed 
Bernice. ‘‘How they frightened me at first; then 
they rather bored me; but in the last few days I’ve 
come to like them ! ” 

“ So have I,” said Dotty. “ I like Mr. Forbes 
himself a whole lot better than I did at first. He’s 
so much more get-at-able.” 

“ He ought to be,” laughed Alicia, “ with four 
girls to train him up in the way he should go ! What 
frocks, ladies F Our very bestest ? ” 

“ Yes, indeed,” said Bernice. “ This is our last 
night, and we must ‘ go out in a blaze of glory ’ ! 


UNCLE JEFF’S FOUR FRIENDS 


And scoot, you two D’s. We’ve none too much time 
to dress.” 

Dolly and Dotty went to their room, and it was 
rather a silent Dolly who sat down to the dressing- 
table to brush her golden locks. 

‘‘ Whatamatter, Dollums.?* ” said her chum. ‘‘ Sad 
at thoughts of going home ” 

“ Oh, no ; really, Dot, I’m glad to go home. 
We’ve had a magnificent time here, but I’m — well, I 
s’pect I’m homesick.” 

“ So’m I, a little, now that you mention it. But 
we’ve enough to remember and think over for a long 
time, haven’t we ? ” 

‘‘ Of course. My but I’m glad that earring was 
found! Oh, Dot, wouldn’t it have been awful if we 
had gone home with that doubt hanging over us ? ” 

‘‘ It would, indeed, old girl. And, now if you’ll 
proceed to do up that taffy-coloured mass on top of 
your head, I’ll accept the dressing mirror for a 
while.” 

Dolly twisted up her golden mop, and decorated it 
with a ribbon band, and then gave over her place to 
Dotty. 

And, shortly, four very much dressed-up girls 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


went down to the extra elaborate dinner that was 
served in honour of the last night of their visit. 

The chat at table was far more gay and spon- 
taneous than it had been on the night of their arrival, 
for all had become used to each other’s ways, and 
had grown to like each other very much. Mr. 
Forbes, too, had changed from a stiff, somewhat em- 
barrassed host to a genial, even gay comrade. He 
asked all about their doings of the day, and they 
told him, with gay stories of funny episodes. 

Dolly watched Alicia, but except that her eyes 
were unusually bright and her laughter very frequent, 
the Western girl showed no especial excitement. 

After dinner they all went to the drawing-room, 
and it was with a feeling of real sadness that Dolly 
realised it was for the last time. 

Mr. Forbes walked up and down the room as he 
often did, and then paused in front of the group of 
girls who were standing by the piano. 

‘‘ Sit down, girlies,” he said ; “ Alicia and Bernice, 
sit on that sofa, please,— you two D’s on that one.” 

Uncle Jeff was smiling, but still, there seemed to 
be an undercurrent of seriousness in his tone, that 
implied a special talk. 


UNCLE JEFF’S FOUR FRIENDS 


“Did it ever occur to any of you,” he began, 
“ that I invited you here for something beside a 
mere desire to give you young people some pleas- 
ure? ” 

“ Why, you’ve practically said so to us. Uncle 
Jeff,” laughed Alicia; “are you going to tell us 
your reason? ” 

“ Yes, I am. And I’m going to tell you now.” 

Mr. Forbes sat down in an easy chair, in such a 
position that he could look straight at all the girls, 
but his gaze rested on his two nieces. 

“ My reason,” he said, slowly, “ is, I admit, a 
selfish one. If you girls have enjoyed your visit, 
I’m very glad, but what I wanted, was to study 
you.” 

“ I knew it ! ” exclaimed Bernice. “ I thought you 
were studying us — our characters.” 

“ Yes, just that. And I wanted to study the char- 
acters of my two nieces. Now you know you can’t 
judge much of girls, unless you see them with their 
comrades, their chums ; or at least with other girls of 
their own age. So I asked you each to bring a girl 
friend with you. As it happened, Bernie brought 
two, and Alicia none, but that didn’t matter. And 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


I’m exceedingly glad to have met and known the 
two D’s.” 

The courteous old gentleman bowed to Dotty and 
Dolly who smiled and bowed in return. 

“Well,” Uncle JefF went on, “here’s the reason 
I wanted to study my two nieces. Because I want 
to take one of them to live with me, and to inherit, 
eventually, my house and the greater part of my for- 
tune.” 

There was a silence, as each of his hearers thought 
over what this would mean. 

Either Bernice or Alicia was to be chosen to live 
in that big city house, practically to be mistress of 
it, to have a life of wealth and luxury and at last 
to inherit Mr. Forbes’ great fortune, and all his 
valuable collections and belongings. 

Dotty broke the silence. “ It’s great ! ” she ex- 
claimed, “ just great ! And which one are you going 
to choose ? ” 

“ I have chosen,” said Mr. Forbes, slowly, “ it re- 
mains to be seen whether the one I have selected will 
accept. But now, you all can see why I was so 
alarmed and anxious over the episode of the lost 


UNCLE JEFF’S FOUR FRIENDS 


earring. I had to find out if any of you girls had 
yielded to temptation. And if so, if it was one of my 
nieces, or one of their friends.” 

“ And if it had been one of your nieces, you would 
have chosen the other ! ” cried Bernice. 

“ No, my child,” returned her uncle. “ Quite the 
contrary. If either you or Alicia had taken that 
gem, with a wrong intent, I should have asked the 
wrong-doer to come and live with me, hoping I could 
teach her the error of her ways. But that’s neither 
here nor there. For none of you did take the jewel, 
nor indeed, ever thought of such a thing. But my 
decision, which I have made, is not entirely based on 
worthiness, or even on desirability. And I’ll tell 
you frankly, had I tried to choose my favourite be- 
tween Bernie and ’Licia, I should have had a hard 
time! For I have come to love both girls very 
dearly, and would have not the slightest objection 
to adopting them both.” 

“ And us two also ? ” asked Dotty, mischievously. 

“Yes, and you two also! Bless my soul! From 
a lonely, somewhat misanthropic old man, you young 
people have turned me into a real human being! I 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


like young voices round me, and young folks’s pleas- 
ures going on in my house. Well, my dears, are you 
interested to know my choice? ” 

Are we?” cried Dotty, while Dolly fairly held 
her breath. 

“ I have chosen Alicia,” Mr. Forbes announced, 
and there was a deep silence. 

Bernice looked a little bewildered, but not at aU 
disappointed. Alicia looked simply stunned, and the 
two D’s just listened for further developments. 

But don’t you for one minute think,” said Mr. 
Forbes, that I consider Alicia in any way superior 
to Bernice ; nor, on the other hand, dp I think Bemie 
better than Alicia, I love my nieces equally, and 
the thing that settled the question in my mind 
was a letter I received to-day from Alicia’s 
father.” 

‘‘ I know ! ” cried Alicia, “ I had one, too. I didn’t 
say anything about it, because Dad asked me not to. 
You tell. Uncle JefF.” 

‘‘ It’s this,” said Mr. Forbes. “ Alicia’s father 
is to be married soon. As you know, Alicia’s mother, 
my dear sister died many years ago, and I know Mr. 
Steele but slightly. However, now that he is about 


UNCLE JEFF’S FOUR FRIENDS 


to remarry, I hope that it will please both him and 
his new wife if Alicia comes to live with me. Also, 
I hope it will please Alicia.’^ 

‘‘ Oh, Uncle Jeff ! ” and Alicia flew over to him, 
and flung her arms round his neck, “ indeed it does 
please me! Why, only to-day I was saying how 
I’d love to live in New York, and how I hated to go 
back to that old school I But I never dreamed of 
such a thing as this ! ” 

‘‘Oh, it’s just fine!” exclaimed Bernice. “I 
couldn’t think of leaving father, and I’d rather live 
in the country anyhow ^ — ” 

“ I discovered that, Bernie, girl,” said her uncle, 
seriously. “ That’s why I had you girls here, so 
I could see for myself what your tastes and traits 
really are. I’ve learned that Bernice prefers her 
own home and too that she doesn’t want to leave her 
father alone though my plan would have been if I 
asked Bernice to come here to have her father live 
here, too. However, I also discovered that Alicia is 
unhappy in her school life, that she does not care 
much about returning to her Western home to live 
with a stepmother, and that she adores New York 
City! So, I wrote to her father asking his opinion. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

and he leaves the settlement of the question to Alicia, 
herself.” 

“ And I settle it ! Yes ! oh, I certainly do! ” and 
the girl gave her kind uncle another big embrace. 

“ Isn’t it funny you should have been saying to- 
day that perhaps you might live in New York.?^ ” said 
Bernice. 

“ Yes,” replied Alicia, and her face changed, “ but 
I didn’t mean this! ” 

Dolly spoke impulsively. In fact, it seemed as if 
she couldn’t keep still. 

“ Suppose you tell your uncle just what you did 
mean,” she said, looking straight at Alicia with an 
unmistakably meaning gaze. 

Alicia turned on her with a sudden expression of 
anger. 

‘‘ You did read that note in my coat pocket ! ” she 
cried, “ you did read it, Dolly Fayre ! and you pre- 
tended you were too honourable to do such a thing ! ” 

“ Why, Alicia, I did not! You take that back! ” 

“Bless my soul! Are you two quarrelling.'’ 
What is the matter ? ” 

“ Dolly read my note ! ” cried Alicia, “ she — ” 

“ I did not ! ” interrupted Dolly, her blue eyes 


UNCLE JEFF’S FOUR FRIENDS 


blazing. “ Alicia has a secret, and I think she 
ought to tell it ! ” 

“ I’ve got a right to have a secret if I like, — 
Dolly Fayre ! ” 

“But it isn’t a nice secret! You wouldn’t want 
Uncle Forbes to know it! It’s — it’s shocking!” 

“ How do you know.? ” 

“ I know all about it, — at least I know something 
about it. I heard you and Marly Turner — ” 

“ Oh, pshaw ! you little blue-eyed goose ! You only 
think it’s shocking, because you’re so prim and 
straight-laced! I’ll tell Uncle Jeff, myself, and I’ll 
tell him right now ! ” 

“ All right, Alicia,” and Dolly drew a big sigh of 
relief. If Alicia would tell her own secret, it would 
take all responsibility from her shoulders. 

But Alicia hesitated. She began to speak once or 
twice, and stammered and paused. 

At last she said, “ I hate to tell, it sounds so — so 
grown-up and ambitious.” 

“ I should think it did! ” cried Dolly, who began to 
wonder if Alicia were crazy. 

“ You tell him, Dolly,” and Alicia suddenly looked 
very shy and embarrassed. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 

“ Do you mean it? Do you want me to tell him? ” 
“ Yes, I honestly wish you would. Though how 
you found out about it, I don’t see ! ” 

We weren’t intending to listen, Alicia, but 
Geordie Knapp and I heard you and Marly Turner, 
in the little reception-room last night.” 

“ Oh, that explains it ! Yes, we did talk pretty 
loud. Well, what did you think of it, Dolly? ” 

“ If you say so. I’ll tell the rest, and see what 
they think of it.” 

AU right, go ahead ! Spare my blushes, good 
people, but I am fearfully embarrassed ! ” 

Everybody looked uncomprehending, and Dolly be- 
gan. 

She couldn’t see how Alicia could treat the matter 
so lightly, but was fervently thankful that she did so. 

It’s this,” said Dolly, solemnly, “ Alicia is plan- 
ning to elope with Marly Turner.” 

There were four astonished faces that greeted this 
announcement, but none showed such blank amaze- 
ment as Alicia’s own. 

“ Oh, Dolly ! ” she cried. “ Oh, Dolly Fayre ! You 
will be the death of me yet ! Go on, tell them more ! ” 
“ That’s about all I know. They planned it last 


UNCLE JEFF’S FOUR FRIENDS 


night and it just happened that Geordie and I heard 
them. Marly coaxed her, and Alicia hesitated and 
then consented. She said her mother eloped, and she 
would do the same. They were going to have a rope 
ladder.’’ 

“Oh, Dolly! Oh, Uncle Jeff! Oh, Dollyrinda!” 

“Well, Alicia, suppose you stop yelling, oh, and 
tell me about this interesting performance,” Mr. 
Forbes spoke, severely. 

But Alicia had thrown herself into a big chair and 
was screaming with laughter. Every time she es- 
sayed to speak, she went off in uncontrollable spasms 
of mirth and when she wiped her eyes and endeav- 
oured to speak, she giggled again. 

Dolly realised there was some misunderstanding 
somewhere and waited for the explanation. 

At last it came. 

“ No, Uncle Jeff,” and Alicia managed to speak 
intelligibly, “ I’m not going to elope with Marly or 
anybody else. I’m going to live here with you.” 

“ But you were ! ” said Dolly. “ You planned 
to!” 

“ No, my child,” and Alicia laughed again. “ I’ll 
have to tell my story myself. I’ve written a play. 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


Uncle, and in it, the heroine elopes with the handsome 
hero, I was awfully shy about showing it to any- 
body, but Marly said he’d try to persuade his father 
to read it over and see if it showed any promise. 
You know it’s a great thing to have Mr. Turner read 
your play, and I was delighted. Well, last night. 
Marly and I went over the elopement scene, that’s the 
strong act of the play, and that’s what Dolly heard, 
and she thought we were talking ourselves ! Oh, 
Dolly, if people plan to elope they don’t do it at 
the top of their lungs ! Marly and I read the vari- 
ous character parts to see how it would sound in 
different voices. Well, then, he said he’d try to get 
his father to read it to-night, so I’d know before I 
went away to-morrow. And he telephoned that he’d 
pull it off, — he meant he’d get his father to read 
it. That’s my secret. And, you know. Uncle Jeff, 
my mother did elope, because her father didn’t want 
her to marry Jim Steele. And I’d heard the story 
of her elopement so often, and it was so dramatic, 
that I put it in my play. Oh, Dolly, what a little 
innocent you are ! ” 

“ I don’t care if I am,” returned Dolly, and her 
pretty face beamed with smiles. “ I think your secret 


UNCLE JEFF’S FOUR FRIENDS 


is lovely, Alicia, and I think Uncle Forbes’ secret is 
too.” 

“ So do I,” said Dotty, “ and I’m glad and proud 
that Dollyrinda and I are chums of two such talented 
and distinguished girls.” 

‘‘ And /’m glad, Alicia,” said her uncle, “ that you 
have a taste for writing. I shall be glad to help you 
cultivate it and I’ve no doubt that Mr. Turner can 
give you valuable advice. Of course your early ef- 
forts can’t amount to much, but if you care to keep 
at it, you may yet do good work. Well, then, do 
I understand, that you accept my invitation to live 
with me ? ” 

“ Yes, indeed, you dear, darling old uncle ! I’ll 
live with thee, and be thy love ! as the poet sings.” 

Then run away to your party now, and we’ll 
settle all further details to-morrow.” 

‘‘And you’ll forgive me, Alicia, for misjudging 
you.?” said Dolly, still smiling at her funny mis- 
take. 

“Yes, indeed, you blue-eyed angel! And you’ll 
forgive me for thinking you read my note. In it. 
Marly said he thought he could get his father to read 
my manuscript and I was so excited over it. But 


TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY 


of course I know you wouldn’t touch my letter only 
I was so upset over it, I hardly knew what I said.” 

“ Oh, that’s all right. And, girls, won’t we have 
the great times having Alicia come to Berwick to 
see us all ? ” 

“ Yes, and having you all come here to visit me ! ” 
returned Alicia. 

“ We’ll always be chums,” said Dotty. “ These 
days together have made us inseparable friends.” 

“ The Forbes quartette,” said Dolly. ‘‘ Only 
Bernice is named Forbes, but I mean Uncle Forbes’ 
quartette.” 

“Yes,” said Jefferson Forbes, “my four friends, 
my Rosebud Garland of Girls.” 


THE END 


-C300> 



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